LLADRO AND OPERATION SMILE AT THE HOUSTON SMILE GALA
Lladró continues to collaborate with Operation Smile by being a part of the 8th Annual Houston Smile Gala, which celebrated the hundreds of thousands of life-changing surgeries performed by Operation Smile in more than 60 countries around the world since 1982.
The gala, a glamorous and spectacular event, aimed to continue working toward the new goal of serving one million patients in the next ten years. Lladró’s Fraternitas sculpture once again made a notable appearance as the gala award. Meanwhile, the sculpture of Tweety, the beloved Warner Bros. character, was part of a charity auction.
Julianne Hough, American actress and dancer, was honored with the Universal Smile Award. Known for her vibrant personality, she gained widespread recognition for her work as a professional dancer on the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” which also earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.
The generosity of all who support this cause extends through local communities across the world, ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographic location, receives the care they need and deserve.
The Fraternitas sculpture, the award of the gala, not only showcases Lladró’s craftsmanship but also serves as a symbol of friendship and unity in the effort to improve the lives of needy children. Handcrafted at Lladró’s headquarters in Valencia, Spain, this sculpture captures the essence of the collaboration between both organizations, conveying a message of hope and solidarity through its inspiring design.
Since the beginning of our partnership in 2004, Lladró and Operation Smile have worked together to fund hundreds of life-changing surgeries. These surgical interventions not only alter the physical appearance of children but also give them new hope and the chance for a better future. By freeing these children from social stigma and enabling them to reintegrate into their communities, these surgeries have a positive impact not only on individual lives but also on entire communities.