Operation Smile is Proud to Name Internationally-Renowned Actor and Singer David Charvet as a New Smile Ambassador

Operation Smile is proud to recognize actor and singer David Charvet as an official Smile Ambassador who will support the organization’s global efforts to provide free surgeries for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. In May, Charvet and his fiancé Brooke Burke, co-host of the hit TV show “Dancing With The Stars,” will serve as segment hosts for Operation Smile’s 2011 Smile Gala in New York City. Together, they are committed to helping Operation Smile transform the lives of children around the world.

Charvet built his international fan base through his previous roles on the hit drama series, “Baywatch” and “Melrose Place.” “Baywatch” was one of the most-watched television series in history with more than 1 billion viewers in 42 countries. Charvet then morphed from pop-culture heartthrob to major pop star, scoring runaway hits in both English and French on three albums released by the Universal Music Group. He has sold over 2.5 million albums to date, with four singles breaking onto the Top 10 charts. Charvet also created duets with Seal and Bryan Adams, and collaborated with acclaimed songwriters such as Ty Lacy. Recently, Charvet starred in the action-adventure feature film “Prisoners of the Sun,” where he was directed by Academy Award-winner Roger Christian.

Burke is a successful host, actress and entrepreneur, and is the founder of Baboosh Baby and the co-CEO of ModernMom.com, an online community for “the woman behind the mom.” Burke made her debut as an author when her first book, “The Naked Mom,” published in February.

Every three minutes, a child somewhere in the world is born with a cleft. One in 10 of those children will die before their first birthday. With the help of medical volunteers and generous supporters like Charvet and Burke, Operation Smile has provided free reconstructive surgeries for more than 160,000 children worldwide since its founding in 1982. Operation Smile is dedicated to building sustainability in its more than 60 partner countries.

"Through the eyes of my children, Heaven and Shaya, I learn more about the world around me every day,” said Charvet. “Children are our most precious blessings. Brooke and I are determined to help Operation Smile reach those children who have no other hope. We can make a difference, and give them a future filled with smiles.”

“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of David and Brooke,” said Dr. Bill Magee, CEO and Co-Founder of Operation Smile. “Their kindness will allow us to reach even more children who are waiting for the one surgery that will change their lives forever.”

For more information about David Charvet and Operation Smile’s global efforts, please visit www.operationsmile.org/david-charvet. Follow Operation Smile on Twitter at www.twitter.com/operationsmile and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/operationsmile.

About Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org)
Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is an international children’s medical charity whose network of more than 5,000 medical volunteers from 79 countries is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile has provided free reconstructive surgery for more than 160,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in more than 60 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and donates crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.