07/31/2018
An Update on Site for Smiles and Smarts:
Now in its fifth year of growth and success, Site for Smiles and Smarts has witnessed its largest expansion since its founding in January 2014. Earlier this month, the organization unveiled a revised mission: “To empower children through cultural and political awareness, education, and wellness."
Additionally, the Foundation launched a new look to its website to further engage audiences and provide more information about our efforts. Please view the new website at www.smilesandsmarts.org.
Fulfilling its mission to raise cultural awareness, Site for Smiles and Smarts held the inaugural National American Iftar Dinner (www.iftardinner.org) on June 7, as a celebration of America’s unity, diversity and tolerance. Held at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, the interfaith Iftar Dinner welcomed over 200 participants representing 16 religions and denominations, while many more Americans participated in similar Iftar gatherings across the nation at partnering restaurants, universities and high schools. Through its efforts in uniting Americans, Site for Smiles and Smarts was invited to the White House by President Trump later that month, as part of ‘A Conversation with America’s Future'.
In its mission to encourage social change through a humanitarian lens, Site for Smiles and Smarts also recently launched ‘Films for Change’, an initiative that serves to share stories of humanity. Recently, the program produced, ‘America’s Gathering’, where the production team ventured into Adel, Iowa, to analyze differences between inner cities and rural communities, as well as division in America in 2018. ‘America’s Gathering’ will be screened at the AMC Theatre in Times Square this October. You can view it here: https://bit.ly/2KcB4jQ.
This summer has also been spent recruiting youth trailblazers from across the country to join the efforts of Site for Smiles and Smarts, in order to build a network of young leaders working to change the world.
To date, Site for Smiles and Smarts has:
•Raised over $150,000 in donations
•Provided tuition and supplies for over 600 children
•Provided 36,000 meals for disadvantaged children
•Provided over 3,700 weekend backpacks of food for underserved children
•Provided 500 books to underserved children
•Paid for 171 medical operations and health check-ups
•Garnered 400,000 views online through ‘Films for Change’
•Opened more than 30 chapters at high schools and universities across the nation
None of these efforts would have been possible without the support and encouragement of so many. What began as an idea of a 12-year-old to raise $300 a month for the education of children in one country has emerged as a leading youth advocacy organization that empowers children on several fronts. The team at Site for Smiles and Smarts remains grateful for your help in making this happen.
Several initiatives and events are planned for the rest of the year, and we look forward to sharing them with you in the future. Thank you for making a difference, and for continuing the cycle of hope.
We empower children across the world with education, wellness, and cultural and political awareness. Let's make a change together.
