The spirit of generosity was on full display as friends, neighbors, Rotarians, medical volunteers, and supporters gathered at the beautiful Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Georgia for the 18th Annual Alliance for Smiles BBQ. More than an annual tradition, the event has become a celebration of hope – bringing together a community committed to transforming the lives of children born with cleft lip and palate around the world.

For eighteen years, this event has demonstrated what is possible when compassionate people come together with a shared purpose. Every dollar raised helps provide life-changing cleft surgeries, comprehensive medical care, education, and hope for children and families who otherwise would have little or no access to treatment.

Alliance for Smiles is fortunate to have an extraordinary team of volunteers whose dedication extends far beyond fundraising. Among those attending this year’s BBQ were hosts Tina Fischlin & Mike Fischlin and Debbie & Ronnie Kent along with Dr. Eric and Sandy Helling along with Mary Craig, Stephanie Sorrells, Kelly Beasley, Micki Tanner, and Alla Campbell. Each has generously volunteered on Alliance for Smiles surgical missions, witnessing firsthand the remarkable transformations that occur when a child receives the gift of a healthy smile.

Their dedicated service reminds us that every mission is about more than surgery. It is about restoring confidence, improving nutrition and speech, opening doors to education, and giving children the opportunity to live without the stigma often associated with untreated cleft conditions.

Rotary continues to be one of Alliance for Smiles’ biggest partners. Through Rotary Foundation Global Grants and the unwavering support of Rotary clubs around the world, surgical missions have expanded to reach children in countries where specialized cleft care is desperately needed. These partnerships demonstrate the incredible impact that service organizations can have when they work together toward a common goal.

One of the evening’s most memorable reflections came from Debbie Kent, who shared a simple but profound observation, “Rotary makes the world small.” Those words perfectly captured the atmosphere of the evening. Friends from the Greensboro community stood alongside Rotarians from across the globe, united by Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’. The support shown by local Rotarians, along with our international Rotary family, is a powerful reminder that service knows no borders. 

Alliance for Smiles is deeply grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, attendee, and Rotarian who has supported the 18th Annual BBQ. Because of their generosity, more children will receive the life-changing care they deserve, and more families will experience the joy that comes with seeing their child smile for the very first time.

As we celebrate another successful year, we are reminded that changing the world doesn’t happen through one person alone. It happens when a community comes together with compassion, purpose, and a belief that every child deserves a reason to smile.