about AFS

Learn who we are, why we serve, and the people behind our mission.

Mission & Vision
Our purpose, values, and long-term commitment to children with cleft conditions.

Our Story
How Alliance for Smiles began and how our work has grown around the world.

Partners & Supporters
The organizations, donors, and community partners who help make our work possible.

Leadership & Team
Meet the board, medical leaders, staff, volunteers, and founding supporters.

FAQs
Answers to common questions about AfS, our programs, volunteering, and giving.

Contact Us
Reach out with questions, partnership inquiries, volunteer interest, or support.
OUR WORK

See how Alliance for Smiles provides cleft care through missions, training, and long-term partnerships.

Surgical Missions
Volunteer medical teams provide life-changing cleft surgery to children in underserved communities.

Training & Education
Supporting local providers through training that strengthens long-term cleft care.

Medical Programs
Comprehensive care that supports children before, during, and after surgery.

Countries We Serve
How Alliance for Smiles began and how our work has grown around the world.

Impact
See the difference AfS makes through surgeries, missions, volunteers, and global partnerships.
HOW TO HELP

Choose the way you’d like to support life-changing cleft care for children around the world.

Ways to Donate
Give once, give monthly, or explore other ways to support AfS programs and missions.

Volunteer
Share your time and talents through outreach, fundraising, administrative support, or mission support.

Medical Teams
Medical professionals can apply to serve on surgical missions and support patient care.

Fundraising
Help raise funds through campaigns, community efforts, auctions, or special giving opportunities.

Partners & Supporters
Learn how organizations, sponsors, and community partners can help expand AfS’s impact.
RESOURCE LIBRARY

Find educational resources, downloadable materials, & helpful information organized for families seeking support and medical providers involved in cleft care.

For Parents & Families
Resources to help families understand cleft conditions, treatment, surgery preparation, recovery, feeding, speech, and ongoing care.

For Medical Providers
Clinical resources, training materials, presentations, & provider-focused documents to support cleft care, education, & treatment planning.
NEWS & STORIES

Explore the stories, updates, photos, videos, and media coverage that share the impact of Alliance for Smiles around the world.

Past & Upcoming Missions
Follow recent and upcoming mission activity, team updates, and global outreach efforts.

Our Stories
Alliance for Smiles shares the stories behind every mission and every smile.

Our Videos
Meet the children and families whose lives have been changed through cleft care.

In the Media
Read media coverage, press releases, and public stories featuring AfS.

Newsletters
Explore past Alliance for Smiles newsletters and follow the stories, milestones, and mission updates that have shaped our work around the world.

Photo Galleries
Capturing the impact of surgical missions, programs, and the lives changed through cleft care.

Alliance for Smiles Volunteer Darrell Daugherty Receives Nurses Making a Difference Award
Read More »

Fundraiser

Name: 22nd Anniversary Night of Smiles Gala – April 25, 2026
Start: 2026-04-25T17:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-04-25T23:00:00-07:00
Location: Hotel Nikko

List

September 2017
Cocktails for a Cause

September 21, 2017 6:00 pm

NEW LOCATION: Bullitt Bar 2209 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, United States

PLEASE NOTE: THE LOCATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CHANGED TO BULLITT BAR AT 2209 POLK STREET! Join us for this free event as we gather
October 2017
Carl Vahl’s Dining For Smiles

October 21, 2017 6:00 pm

October 21, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Enchanted Valley Inn 35 Temple Street Portville, NY 14770 Minimum Donation: $100 You can donate to Carl's

$100
January 2018
Networking for a Cause

January 11, 2018 6:00 pm

Cambria Gallery 1045 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

Cambria Gallery 1045 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94103 January 11, 2018 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Are you ready to start the new year

$25
April 2018
13th Annual Appreciation Gala – SOLD OUT!

April 21, 2018 6:00 pm

Julia Morgan Ballroom 465 California St, San Francisco, CA, United States

Please join us on April 21, 2018 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco for our 13th Annual Night of Smiles Gala. Each year
April 2019
15th Anniversary Gala!

Featured April 6, 2019 5:30 pm

Julia Morgan Ballroom 465 California St, San Francisco, CA, United States

Sponsorship Opportunities | Advertise in the Program | News About 15th Anniversary Gala | Photos from 2018 Gala The Julia Morgan Ballroom 465 California St
May 2021
17th Annual Night of Smiles “Virtual” Gala

Featured May 1, 2021 5:00 pm

CA, United States

See You This Saturday May 1st! If you would like to attend the gala, please contact Paul Vazquez at paul@allianceforsmiles.org or 415.779.2569 The theme of the
June 2021
Storm Large – Live Zoom concert plus Q & A

June 6, 2021 2:00 am

Join Storm in the comfort of your own home for a live show on June 6th at 2pm Pacific. After the show ask her questions about
April 2022
2022 Night of Smiles Gala

April 30, 2022 6:00 pm

Hotel Nikko 222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA, United States

* Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination required to enter venue in accordance with CDC and San Francisco city guidance. * Please join us at the
April 2026
22nd Anniversary Night of Smiles Gala – April 25, 2026

April 25 5:00 pm

Hotel Nikko 222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA, United States

Click here for all the details, such as WHEN/WHERE/WHAT to wear, etc. Congratulations To Our 2026 Honorees! ~ Dr. Eric and Sandy Helling: Volunteers

Notice – Mission Participation Fee Increase:
Due to rising costs associated with international travel, the trip participation fee will increase to $525 for all missions occurring after May 1, 2026. This adjustment will allow us to continue covering mission expenses such as hotel accommodations, meals, and travel health insurance for all volunteers, so that we can ensure teams are well-supported and cared for throughout the mission.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Your involvement makes life-changing transformation and care possible for children and families around the world. If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Learn who we are, why we serve, and the people behind our mission.

See how Alliance for Smiles provides cleft care through missions, training, and long-term partnerships.

Choose the way you’d like to support life-changing cleft care for children around the world.

Find educational resources, downloadable materials, & helpful information organized for families seeking support and medical providers involved in cleft care.

Explore the stories, updates, photos, videos, and media coverage that share the impact of Alliance for Smiles around the world.

Alliance for Smiles Volunteer Darrell Daugherty Receives Nurses Making a Difference Award

Fundraiser

September 2017

Cocktails for a Cause

October 2017

Carl Vahl’s Dining For Smiles

January 2018

Networking for a Cause

April 2018

13th Annual Appreciation Gala – SOLD OUT!

April 2019

15th Anniversary Gala!

May 2021

17th Annual Night of Smiles “Virtual” Gala

June 2021

Storm Large – Live Zoom concert plus Q & A

April 2022

2022 Night of Smiles Gala

April 2026

22nd Anniversary Night of Smiles Gala – April 25, 2026

Alliance for Smiles Volunteer Darrell Daugherty Receives Nurses Making a Difference Award

Building Sustainable Cleft Care in Accra, Ghana Through Local Collaboration

Follow-Up Cleft Surgeries in Accra, Ghana: Transforming Lives Through Continued Care

Alliance for Smiles Returns to Ghana for Brief Medical Mission Focused on Long-Term Cleft Care

Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate: A Personal Story for Cleft Awareness Month