Miss Universe Organization, Smile Train Foundation end 9-year partnership
Smile Train, the world's largest cleft charity that empowers local medical professionals to provide free cleft treatment in their communities, announced on Wednesday, October 30 that it has ended its nine-year partnership with the Miss Universe Organization.
On social media, the non-profit organization uploaded a heartwarming video showcasing its charity work with MUO.
"Today, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the Miss Universe Organization for their incredible partnership over the past nine years! Your support has transformed the lives of countless children with clefts worldwide, giving them the gift of smiles and hope," Smile Train wrote in the caption.
It added, "Together, we've made an extraordinary impact, raising awareness about cleft lip and palate and ensuring that children everywhere receive the life-changing care they need."
The NGO also expressed gratitude to some Miss Universe winners who served as the organization's ambassadors. These include past winners from 2015 to the present, such as Pia Wurtzbach, Iris Mittenaere, Demi-Leigh Tebow, Catriona Gray, Zozibini Tunzi, Andrea Meza, Harnaaz Sandhu, R'Bonney Gabriel, and Sheynnis Palacios.
"Special thanks to Pia, Iris, Demi, Catriona, Zozi, Andrea, Harnaaz, R'Bonney, and Sheynnis, who wore the Smile Train Ambassador crown with dignity, grace, and compassion. From the beginning, we committed to being more than a photo-op for our Ambassadors; we aimed to empower titleholders through active engagement and our patients through their example. "
"Miss Universe Queens have participated in panels at the United Nations General Assembly, thought leadership events, confidence camps for our patients, meetings with local government officials, awareness campaigns, teen empowerment roundtables, and hands-on hospital activities. They have even emceed events!" it continued.
According to Smile Train, throughout its nine-year partnership with MUO, more than 10,000 families learned about the free, comprehensive cleft treatment through its various sponsors.
Likewise, they have raised nearly $2 million or more than P116 million through "direct giving, auctions, events, and campaigns," which support "tens of thousands of life-changing surgeries and other vital cleft care treatments for those in need." It also included essential training for local medical teams in over 75 countries.
"Thank you for your commitment to making a difference and for believing in the power of a smile! We wish you great success in your future endeavors."
'Life-changing work'
Miss Universe titleholders flooded the comment section with nostalgia and appreciation for the work done during their collaboration, highlighting the importance of initiatives that support children's health and cleft palate surgeries.
"Will always support the incredible, life-changing work of [Smile Train]," Gray said.
"[Thank you] for changing so many lives ..including mine …you have [been] doing incredible work and it was my absolute [honor] to be a part of it….always here to support and bring more smiles….every smile matters," Sandhu also wrote.
"What an absolute pleasure being able to do such impactful work alongside you in this lifetime. What you have done and will continue doing for families across the globe is no small feat. In my language we say 'Wandiselwe apho thatha khona,' meaning may your cup always be full so that you can continue pouring into others," Zuzi commented.
"It has been an absolute pleasure working with all of you. I've truly fallen in love with your cause, and the incredible impact you're making in so many lives. You can count on me to continue spreading the word and helping to change the lives of children together!" Meza chided.
Meanwhile, former Miss Universe president Paula Shugart is also grateful for the opportunity she had with the organization.
"[Smile Train] is an incredible organization and has changed the lives of so many people. I will be forever grateful for the partnership we built together. The Smile Train trips were always a highlight for our titleholders. Thank you to Troy and the entire Smile Train team for all you do," she wrote in the comment section.
Smile Train is the world's largest cleft-focused organization, with a "sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care." Over the last 25 years, it has supported safe, high-quality, and free cleft care for over 2 million children worldwide.
It has a Philippine counterpart with Megan Young, Catriona, Marian Rivera, Pia, and Barbie Forteza as some of its ambassadors.