The members of the Valley Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) sponsored the cost of pediatric reconstruction surgery for a child in the Operation Smile program. As a member of the chapter for over 5 years, and currently serving as publicity chair, I'd like to tell you all about it. Maybe the idea will spread--- it's certainly a worthwhile cause.
Bobbie Renshaw, owner of Artistic Images of Canton and member of the Valley Chapter of BNI collected the donation from her fellow members at the weekly meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2008. "We recognize the importance of smiles everyday", said Marianne Hebenstreit, photographer at Artistic Images, "We are honored to help a child smile his first smile."
Operation Smile, a not-for-profit organization started in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee, plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen, nurse and clinical social worker, is made up of thousands of physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals worldwide. The organization is dedicated to performing surgery and training around the world to treat children who suffer from facial deformities, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. To date, over 115,000 children have received these life-changing benefits. For more information, go to www.OperationSmile.org.
The Valley Chapter of BNI joined the efforts of Artistic Images of Canton and Professional Photographers of America to raise money for Operation Smile. October has been designated as Family Portrait Month. A total of $240.00 was collected at the BNI meeting which will pay for one surgery. In addition to direct donation, Artistic Images will contribute $25.00 of every photography session fee during the month of October directly to Operation Smile.
Other donations are currently being accepted by Artistic Images, and all contributions will be sent to Operation Smile by the end of November. For additional information, contact Bobbie Renshaw at Artistic Images of Canton at 860-693-1414. Donations can be mailed to Artistic Images at 163 Albany Turnpike, Suite 100, Canton, CT 06019, or made in person at the same address.
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