Houston Is All Smiles With Operation Smiles Gala

Hundreds Attend To Cheer On Organization & Raise Funds

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Johnny Tran Photography

THE SCENE: Houston’s Royal Sonesta Hotel was the recent setting for one of the city’s most buzziest and dazzling non-profit galas of the fall social season. Several hundred of the area’s top community leaders, sociables, children’s advocates, and philanthropists turned out for the 8^th annual Operation Smile Gala.

THE VIBE: As revelers walked up to the red carpet that greeted them upon their arrival, they knew a very special evening lay ahead. Partygoers posed for images on the red carpet, with many taking the time to snap images with actress, singer, dancer, and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough. After posing for images, the fashionable, black-tie optional crowd joined a lively cocktail hour where one could see a stunning array of ballgowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, and suits in an array of colors that created a fun, welcoming environment that brought out the inner child of everyone who attended.

The festivities then moved to the ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on delectable multi-course meals, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders that highlighted how the organization has positively impacted children and families from around the globe. Next, came awarding honorees for their support of the organization and other children’s causes from around the world including Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell and Derrick Mitchell who were awarded the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award, Dr. Katie To and Dr. Bar Nguyen who were honored with the Medical Visionary Award, Melissa Holman Juneau, who was awarded the John Connor Humanitarian Award and the aforementioned Julianne Hough, who was awarded the Universal Smile Award.

The most heartwarming and active part of the night was the “Teddy Bear Auction” where bidders raised their hands to provide funds for the organization. Each was awarded with a teddy bear that was provided by children in the audience to serve as a thank you for their support. As guests departed this special evening of fashion, childlike exuberance, and philanthropy they were given gift bags with treats courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes, which served as the cherry on top of a fabulous night of fundraising.

THE NON-PROFIT: The Operation Smile Gala, co-chaired by event founders Viet Hoang and Sneha Merchant, along with additional co-chairs Stacey and Al Lindseth & Carrie and Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl, raised over $465,000 for the organization. Proceeds raised at the events will go towards providing life-changing surgeries for children around the world. Over the past eight years, the Operation Smile Gala has raised over $2.5 million for the organization.