Operation Smile's 35th Anniversary presented by Johnson & Johnson

NEW YORK, May 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wednesday night, New York's top philanthropists, celebrities and supporters gathered in Chelsea for an evening honoring the work of famed photographer Brian Bowen Smith in commemoration of Operation Smile's 35th Anniversary presented by Johnson & Johnson.

"‎Long before anybody ever heard the term 'Corporate Social Responsibility,' Johnson & Johnson, through our Credo, has been committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work," said Tim Schmid, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies Chief Strategic Customer Officer. "Our 29-year partnership with Operation Smile exemplifies this commitment and is also a shining example of Johnson & Johnson's mission in action, which is to profoundly change the trajectory of health care for humanity."

Actor Zachary Levi took the stage to share his experience as an Operation Smile Ambassador, moving the room to tears. Before leading into the evening's program, Levi thanked Operation Smile Co-Founders, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, for their 35 years of inspiration and dedication in helping children born with cleft lips and cleft palates.

The evening featured a timeline gallery walk, presented by Johnson & Johnson, highlighting Operation Smile's key historical milestones and the hundreds of thousands of children served by the charity over the past 35 years.

Chicago Fire's Taylor Kinney, alongside New York socialites Inga & Keith Rubenstein, Dori Cooperman, Coralie Charriol and more gathered at the pop-up gallery to show their support.
Guests enjoyed craft cocktails by Absolut Elyx, sparkling wines by Rotari and beers by Lagunitas at the one-night only exhibition held at West Edge, which showcased one-of-a-kind portraits of celebrity supporters including Heidi Klum, Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Ashlee Simpson Ross & Evan Ross, Selma Blair, Jordana Brewster, Brooke Burke-Charvet and Kate Walsh‎.

Top tier New Yorkers including Republic Records President Charlie Walk, CATCH Restaurants founder Mark Birnbaum, and NYLON Magazine Style Director Dani Stahl, encouraged guests to donate generously during the evening's live auction.

Robert Duffy, founder and business partner of Marc Jacobs, honored Brian Bowen Smith's work for Operation Smile. Smith graciously accepted the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award, which recognizes a person who uses his creative talent to present Operation Smile's message of hope in a new and compelling way.

For More Information Contact:
Fay Milman
[email protected]

SOURCE Operation Smile