HOW TO: START A SMILE FUND
Smile Funds help make surgery possible for people born with cleft conditions, just like our friend Rikta in India! Operation Smile treated Rikta’s cleft lip and cleft palate, and the knowledge and kindness of our medical volunteers inspired her to pursue a nursing career and “dedicate her life to helping humankind.” You can make a direct impact on the lives of our patients around the world by covering the cost of their surgeries through a Smile Fund. And since a surgery can cost as little at $240, starting a Smile Fund has the potential to make a difference for many people!
STEP 1
Get creative
Your Smile Fund will be as unique as you are! A few examples: Fourteen-year-old Ryan used his Smile Fund to rally smiles around his adventure climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Young entrepreneur Charlotte celebrated her 11th birthday by giving her surgery-companion dolls dolls to 11 patients and kicking off a Smile Fund with a goal of 11 smiles. Advocate Elizabeth started a Smile Fund with a goal to raise $5,028 — the distance her surgeon traveled to volunteer at an Operation Smile medical mission in Paraguay.
Be as creative as you like, and have fun!
STEP 1
Get creative
Your Smile Fund will be as unique as you are! A few examples: Fourteen-year-old Ryan used his Smile Fund to rally smiles around his adventure climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Young entrepreneur Charlotte celebrated her 11th birthday by giving her surgery-companion dolls dolls to 11 patients and kicking off a Smile Fund with a goal of 11 smiles. Advocate Elizabeth started a Smile Fund with a goal to raise $5,028 — the distance her surgeon traveled to volunteer at an Operation Smile medical mission in Paraguay.
Be as creative as you like, and have fun!
STEP 2
Get down to business
First, head the this website and click “Start a Smile Fund,” select “Student” and create your account. As you begin to put your page together — picking photos, setting your goal — consider why you’re raising money for Operation Smile and what makes it important to you. Why did you set your goal to the number you did? Take a moment to write up your personal story and what this Smile Fund means to you.
STEP 2
Get down to business
First, head the this website and click “Start a Smile Fund,” select “Student” and create your account. As you begin to put your page together — picking photos, setting your goal — consider why you’re raising money for Operation Smile and what makes it important to you. Why did you set your goal to the number you did? Take a moment to write up your personal story and what this Smile Fund means to you.
STEP 3
Get social
Once your Smile Fund page is created, your goal is set, and your personal story is written, you’re ready to spread the word and share your Smile Fund with your family, friends and community. Use our special worksheet to outline your social media strategy and make best use of your digital platforms!
STEP 3
Get social
Once your Smile Fund page is created, your goal is set, and your personal story is written, you’re ready to spread the word and share your Smile Fund with your family, friends and community. Use our special worksheet to outline your social media strategy and make best use of your digital platforms!
STEP 4
Get excited
You’re helping a person to have a better quality of life — now if that isn’t a reason to be excited, then we don’t know what is! Be proud!
STEP 4
Get excited
You’re helping a person to have a better quality of life — now if that isn’t a reason to be excited, then we don’t know what is! Be proud!
