The Guinness World Records has validated Smile Train’s record for creating the largest online photo album of smiling mouths.
The achievement of the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation was officially recognised by a Guinness World Records adjudicator, who presented Smile Train with an Official Record Holder certificate during a celebratory event at the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
This location holds special significance as it is the hometown of Harvey Ball, the creator of the iconic smiley face in 1963.
President and CEO of Smile Train, Susannah Schaefer expressed her pride in the global effort that made this achievement possible. She emphasised the significance of this recognition for the cleft community and individuals born with facial differences. Smile Train’s mission is to provide free cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care, making this achievement a testament to the beauty of all smiles.
The announcement coincided with World Smile Day®, a day dedicated to spreading kindness, smiles and goodwill worldwide. Executive director of the Worcester Historical Museum, William Wallace expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to partner with Smile Train in celebrating this achievement. He highlighted the importance of World Smile Day® in Worcester, where Harvey Ball’s iconic smiley face was created, inspiring acts of kindness.
Smile Train initiated this remarkable campaign in July during National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. The campaign received support from actress Samantha Hanratty, a Smile Train celebrity ambassador, who shared her smile to kick off the initiative.
A long-standing corporate partner of Smile Train and the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, Dentsply Sirona joined Smile Train’s call to encourage everyone to share their smiles. They pledged a $20,000 USD donation if the campaign succeeded, which they later increased to $120,000 USD. Today, they presented Smile Train with a check during the celebration event.
Senior vice-president of orthodontic aligner solutions & customer experience and head of sustainability at Dentsply Sirona, Erania Brackett expressed their pride in supporting Smile Train’s vital work in helping children and individuals with clefts. She noted that the additional donation would further enable Smile Train to provide life-changing surgeries and comprehensive cleft care worldwide. Dentsply Sirona will also receive a certificate from Guinness World Records™ as a co-record holder.
This achievement by Smile Train is a testament to the power of smiles and the global community’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those born with clefts.
