Smile Train Seeks Another World Record in Honor of World Smile Day
Singer, actress and Smile Train ambassador Elizabeth Gillies joins Smile Train in pursuit of a Guinness World Records title today.
Today is World Smile Day®, and Team Smile seeks to spread more smiles as well as set a world record for the most landmarks illuminated in a 24-hour period.
In celebration ofWorld Smile Day®,actress, singer, and Smile Train ambassador Elizabeth Gillies is joining forces with the nonprofit—the world’s largest cleft-focused organization—to secure a second Guinness World Records title. This year, as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary, Smile Train aims to brighten the world by attempting to break the record for the most landmarks illuminated in a 24-hour period, with the current record standing at 56.
Last year, Smile Train made history by setting a Guinness World Records title for the largest online photo album of smiling mouths, showcasing the power of smiles and the impact Smile Train has on the lives of children around the globe, with 21,274 photos.
This year’s initiative, Lighting up the World with Smiles, promises to build on that success by lighting iconic landmarks around the world in a vibrant display of solidarity and support for children with clefts, a facial difference that causes challenges with eating, breathing and hearing.
Landmarks set to shine brightly in support of Smile Train include the iconic BT Tower in London, the magnificent Gateway of India, the Rizal Monument in the Philippines, and numerous landmarks across the United States, including the famed Empire State Building in New York City.
Related reading: “Miles for Smiles: Run 50 Strong” Helping Raise Awareness and Funds for Cleft-Focused Nonprofit
Gillies expressed her excitement, stating in a press release, “I am so honored to be a part of this initiative and to help illuminate the Empire State Building on behalf of Smile Train. Together, we can spread awareness and create a better future for children around the world.”
World Smile Day, a day devoted to smiles and acts of kindness, is October 4. First celebrated in 1999, the special day seeks to reclaim the original meaning and intent of the iconic smiley face image by encouraging people to act kindly and make a person smile.
As supporters rally to take part in this global celebration, Smile Train encourages everyone to share their smiles and spread joy, highlighting the crucial work being done to provide free cleft surgery, care, and support to children in need.
Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.