With the generous support of many compassionate individuals and businesses, last year Exhibit for Smiles was able to deliver a smile to more than 70 children dealing with life-threatening illnesses on a daily basis.
The outcome was overwhelming and extremely gratifying at the same time. Those who joined us on the day we delivered the gifts saw first-hand how this generosity touched the hearts of these children and their families, and created lasting memories for everyone involved.
The clinic was filled with joy and happiness that morning as children were greeted with special gifts, not just needles and medicine. That afternoon, our joy was overcome by sadness as we learned that one of these precious kids had lost their battle. I think about that all the time. This is why this matters so much to me.
I’m happy to report that the hard work, passion and dedication of everyone involved in Exhibit 4 Smiles has paid off as our cause gains steam and attention both nationally and abroad. I have some very exciting things to report about E4S and its future:
- We are now officially a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All of your donations and gifts are tax-deductible.
- This year we are asking parents and guardians to fill out a profile form about each child’s interests, to help us better match gifts to the child’s preferences.
- This year we will also take a video of each child opening his or her gifts and e-mail the clip to the child’s sponsor. You will be able to put a face with the name you were given, and see the smile you created!
We also have some important plans and goals for E4S that I want to share with you:
- Celebrating a child’s “Second Birthday” (when a child beats their health problem).
- Assisting families of veterans that have a child with a life-threatening disease.
- Holding fundraising events.
- Promoting our cause through tradeshows and advertising.
- Expanding our efforts to other cities across the country — and beyond. Exhibit 4 Smiles has had several articles written about it lately, from as far away as Dubai! Apparently our cause has gained interest across the globe and I have had numerous people ask me to bring the program to their state or country. We hope to see this cause continue to expand and grow so we can reach out to more and more children.
Please join us on this journey of hope. The success of E4S depends on the support of caring individuals like you. In addition financial support, you can help by becoming an E4S ambassador and spreading our story to your friends, family and co-workers.
Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words but a great story is worth a thousand pictures. That’s what Exhibit 4 Smiles is…
Thank you all and God bless you.
Costas Varkarotas
Founder
Thanks to the support of companies and individuals in the exhibit industry, Exhibit for Smiles delivered gifts and smiles to 96 patients at Children’s Hospital University of Illinois on December 16!
