Celebrity Smile Ambassadors

Satcha Pretto co-hosts Univision Network’s weekend newsmagazine “Primer Impacto: Fin de Semana.” A native of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Satcha serves as a Smile Ambassador for Operation Smile and participated on the Operation Smile international medical mission to Guadalajara, Mexico in September 2008. “Never before, had I any doubts about the great work Operation Smile carries out, but it had never been as clear to me as it is now, having experienced their labor of love with my own eyes during the September mission in Guadalajara, Mexico,” says Satcha. “I am in complete admiration for the dedication put forth by the medical and non-medical volunteers, who go in, body and soul, to support parents in desperate search for a ray of hope for their children. As a Smile Ambassador for the organization, I had the fortune of learning from those parents who find the strength to fight for their children, and my heart is filled knowing that in some way I was able to form part of the process that will change the lives of their little angels.”

In recognition for her work in broadcast journalism, she has received an Emmy nomination, an award from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, one from the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, and has been recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She is also a recipient of “Vanidades” magazine’s “Tribute to Hispanic Women” award and most recently, was a for the Livingston Awards for journalists under 35, for her work on investigative reporting.

Puerto Rican-born actress Roselyn Sánchez is known for her work in the popular TV show Without a Trace and her recently released Disney film with The Rock entitled The Game Plan. She also starred opposite Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan in the blockbuster Rush Hour 2 and her performance in that movie earned her an ALMA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The American Latino Media Arts Award, or ALMA Award, is an important distinction awarded to Hispanic performers who promote positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment field. During the World Journey of Smiles, Sanchez, along with fiancée Eric Winter, participated on a mission to Managua, Nicaragua. “Being a part of Operation Smile during their World Journey of Smiles medical mission to Managua, Nicaragua was a surreal experience. To been able to see all those children and their families with their faces filled with hope for a better future was incredible. We learned a lot, helped and understood the value of a smile and the real meaning of a helping hand,” said Roselyn Sánchez. Her other past projects include: starring opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. in the romantic comedy Boat Trip; starring opposite John Travolta, Sam Jackson and Giovanni Ribisi in Basic and the Forest Whitaker produced film Chasing Papi. She began her career in Puerto Rico, where she gained public attention as a dancer and co-host of the variety show Que Vacilón.

Actor Eric Winter is best-known for his recent work on the popular T.V. show Brothers & Sisters, and also for his work on CSI, Charmed, Wildfire, Viva Laughlin and the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Along with fiancée Roselyn Sanchez, Winter participated in a mission to Managua, Nicaragua, during the World Journey of Smiles. On the mission, they lent a hand helping the screening team process about 250 children and preparing them emotionally and physically for their life-changing surgeries.

Oscar D’León, internationally recognized Venezuelan Salsa singer was the first Latin American celebrity to join Operation Smile’s 25th Anniversary Smile Ambassadors. During the 1980s, D'León achieved success in salsa music, and is now one of the great singers of Caribbean music. The singer announced his decision to join as a Smile Ambassador during the “Let’s Smile with Oscar D’León” fundraising concert that was celebrated in Venezuela in early June and raised $30,000 for Operation Smile Venezuela. D’León said, “I have so much passion for this organization and the children that need help. As an artist, I will continue doing everything possible to raise awareness about this important cause in order to bring these children a smile to their face and a chance at a better and healthier life.”

In addition to participating on an Operation Smile medical mission to Lima, Peru in 2007, actress and model Molly Sims, best known for her role on the popular TV show Las Vegas, co-hosted Operation Smile’s The Smile Collection fund-raising gala in New York. Of her experience in Peru, Sims said, “These kinds of experiences in life are not easily come by. We thank Operation Smile for enriching our lives and showing us a new frontier. Operation Smile volunteers are wonderful, beautiful people that change children’s lives,” noted Sims. “This experience with Operation Smile in Peru touched our hearts and made us realize how truly lucky we are, and how lucky these people are to have Operation Smile in their lives,” she added.

Canadian-born actor Justin Chatwin, best-known for his roles in the Steven Spielberg film War of the Worlds and the 2007 film The Invisible, joined the mission as well. While in Peru, the Smile Ambassadors participated in all team activities, played with waiting children, took patient photos and assisted with medical records. He commented: “Operation Smile brings so much more than new smiles to children. For me it was the most thrilling, organized, and life enriching charity experience I've had.”

Musician Benj Gershman, the bassist for the popular American rock band O.A.R., also traveled to Peru and noted of his experience, “It is amazing what people will do for others when motivated by the right reasons. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support Operation Smile during its 25th Anniversary, as the organization enters into a new era in changing children’s lives.”

Carmit Bachar, is an American singer and dancer best known as a member of the pop group, The Pussycat Dolls. In addition to serving as a Smile Ambassador, Bachar, who was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, participated on a mission during World Journey of Smiles to Bolivia. “No child should have to endure growing up with a correctable facial deformity, she says. “I know firsthand the impact this has on a child’s life and I am honored to join the effort to not only help bring surgery to those in need, but also to help reduce the stigma and shame associated with this condition, particularly in developing countries. The work that Operation Smile and its Co-founders the Magees are doing to help children around the world is an inspiration and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Mark Burnett, known for pioneering reality television, joined fiancée Roma Downey in February of 2006 in an Operation Smile medical mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and in 2008 in Amman, Jordan. He continues his support as a Smile Ambassador.

Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, honored with the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award at the Operation Smile Los Angeles Gala in 2006, also participated on an Operation Smile medical mission to Nicaragua in 2008. Vanessa Trump, actress and Wilhelmina model, has been working to bring national awareness to the children of Operation Smile for over four years. Donald Trump Jr. is Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions for The Trump Organization and is a regular on his father’s hit show The Apprentice. Trump Jr. was a founding member of the Operation Smile Executive Committee in Manhattan and has been actively involved in helping with event strategy and development since 2002.

Photographers Melanie Dunea and Nigel Parry have been longtime supporters of Operation Smile. She specializes in portraits of the world’s most influential people in the public eye, often appearing in Vanity Fair, Newsweek, The London Times, People and New York Magazine. Her first published book, Precious, received top awards in the photography field. Mr. Parry has taken award-winning images of famed cultural and political figures that have appeared in W, Vanity Fair, GQ, Newsweek and the New York Times Magazine. His work has been exhibited internationally and his books have received worldwide acclaim. Together with Melanie Dunea, they have supported the work of Operation Smile for five years and published a book, The Journey of Smiles, for Operation Smile.

Maggie Rizer is currently one of fashion's hottest models. Maggie is a model who shot straight to the top of her profession; her first job was shooting a story with photographer, Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue. In addition to appearing in ad campaigns for Calvin Klein, Max Mara & Versace, Maggie has walked the catwalk for Victoria's Secret. There is one obvious difference that is immediately apparent when one speaks with her; she lacks the attitude of the supermodels who came before her in the early 90's. What is important to her is behaving professionally, and being treated with respect. "I'm more professional now that I've been working awhile, I feel that I know what I'm doing." Maggie is currently in production of a documentary called “Maggie and Me” which looks to explore the importance of youth initiated, cross cultural and global partnership in the fight against AIDS. The documentary is directed by Alexandra Kerry daughter of Senator John Kerry and produced and co featuring daughter of African diplomats and Film Producer/AIDS Activist Suzanne Engo.

Dhani Jones, a linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, began his NFL career with the New York Giants in 2000 and joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004, playing three seasons. Off the field, Dhani, which means “thinking man” in the Hindu language, markets his own line of bow ties, hosts a show on ESPN2, served as a postseason reporter for NFL Network, and was a guest conductor for the Philly Pops orchestra. While growing up, Jones developed a strong sense of world awareness and social responsibility he hosted the Operation Smile Junior Smile Collection event in New York in 2007and he is proud to support Operation Smile as a Smile Ambassador.

Singer, songwriter and actress Mariah Carey is best-known for her remarkable vocal range and record-selling singles. Carey has recorded the most U.S. number-one singles for a female solo artist and has earned five Grammy Awards. She has been a supporter of Operation Smile for the past four years and attended various fund-raising events including The Smile Collection fundraising event in New York in 2006. Carey continues her support of Operation Smile by serving as a Smile Ambassador.