NY Operation Smile Gala Honors Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), The Cotto Family, and Viet Hoang

Operation Smile Honors Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), 

The Cotto Family, and Viet Hoang at New York Operation Smile Gala

Founder & CEO of Prakti, International Fashion Model, Operation Smile Global Ambassador and Gala Co-Chair, Pritika Swarup, Will Serve As The Evening’s Gala Host 

Special Performances By Carmit Bachar & Jessica Lee Goldyn (a number from CHICAGO The Musical), Voodoo Orchestra X from Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse,  Byrdie Wilson and Broadway Stars

 WHO: James, Cory, Carol Ann, Lucy, & Ray Cotto (Honorees, Founders Circle Award), Jimmy Donaldson – MrBeast (Honoree, Cotto Changemaker Award, (accepting virtually), Viet Hoang (Honoree, Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award), Pritika Swarup (Gala Host &  Co-Chair), Carmit Bachar (Performer & Gala Co-Chair), Gerry Byrne (Gala Co-Chair) Caleb Chapman (Performer & Gala Co-Chair), Dr. Dane Hoang (Gala Co-Chair) Jessica Lee Goldyn (Performer), Byrdie Wilson (Performer), Sneha & Nick Merchant (Gala Co-Chairs), Jeff & Karen Meyers (Gala Co-Chairs),Christina Nalbone (Gala Co-Chair), Richard & Noreen G. Oelkers (Gala Co-Chairs), Andrew Nusbaum (Gala Co-Chair), Pam Wilson (Gala Co-Chair), Dr. Grace Yum-Zimmermann & Kent Zimmermann (Gala Co-Chairs), Kathleen S. Magee B.S.N, M.S.W., M.Ed. (Operation Smile Co-Founder, President & CEO, Gala Co-Chair), Dr. William P. Magee Jr., D.D.S., MD (Operation Smile Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus, Gala Co-Chair), Timothy Zhu (Auction Chair), and other prominent guests will attend the New York Operation Smile Gala. More than 400 guests will gather at the historic Sony Hall in Times Square to support Operation Smile. 

WHY: Since 1982, Operation Smile has believed that safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right, and that every child deserves access to high-quality surgical and health care. Operation Smile works hand in hand with local volunteers, ministries of health, governments, universities and communities to expand access to surgical care through training and education —starting with free, life-changing cleft surgery and comprehensive care.  The New York Operation Smile Gala will highlight the organization’s impact in expanding access to safe surgical and comprehensive care, by training local health professionals, strengthening 

health systems, and supporting communities to build a healthier future through sustainable, life-changing care.     

WHAT: Join us for a night reuniting our New York supporters to create new smiles across the world. Step into a speakeasy celebration, inspired by the golden era of Big Band swing and Broadway sparkle! The 2025 New York Operation Smile Gala marks a dazzling return to the city’s philanthropic spotlight on Wednesday, November 5th, celebrating compassion, transformation and the hundreds of thousands of new smiles created since our last gathering. Distinguished leaders from business, culture, and community will gather in style and purpose, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born with a cleft condition receives the care they deserve. Philanthropist Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) will be recognized with the Cotto Changemaker Award for his advocacy and support of Operation Smile’s programs. Long-time supporters The Cotto Family will receive the Founders Circle Award, honoring their generational philanthropy and advocacy. Philanthropist Viet Hoang will be presented the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award, honoring his more than ten years of support in raising millions of dollars for surgical care. The hand-crafted awards are presented by Lladró.

Founder & CEO of Prakti, Operation Smile Global Ambassador and Gala Co-Chair, Pritika Swarup will serve as the evening’s Gala Host. 

Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner, speakeasy tequila sponsored by Terremana, a curated silent auction, and spirited dancing of the Roaring Twenties, brought to life by a performance selection from CHICAGO The Musical, Smile Ambassador and Pussycat Dolls’ Carmit Bachar, Broadway star Jessica Lee Goldyn, and the big band sounds of the 20-piece The Voodoo Orchestra from Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse. Rising singer-songwriter and Nashville recording artist Byrdie Wilson will light up the stage alongside surprise celebrity guests — the night promises unforgettable musical moments that echo both the glamour of the past and the hope of the future.

New York Operation Smile Gala Host Committee: 

Riley Clifford, Carol Ann Cotto, Lucy Cotto, Ray Cotto, Cabell Graves, Skyler Griswold, Austin Rae Haycox, Isabella Santini Hoang, Chris Harper, John Kenney, Jr., Giselle Leon-Gomez, Giacomo Melegari, Gabriela Sandoval, Rachel Sidari, and Sarah Smith, 

MAKE A DONATION: Unable to attend, please make a donation here  

ABOUT OPERATION SMILE

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and supported by our generous donors and corporate partners.