The Exclusive by Lisa Lori: The Smile Gala 2014 -- NYC

On May 1st in New York City, Mat & I were honored with the Founders Circle Award by Operation Smile along with our good friends Kathy and Bruce Makowsky. It was an incredible evening that I will never forget. Here are some fun photos from the event as well as a link to our speeches. I was especially proud of my son Zachary who got a standing ovation! #smile

The man who started it all -- Dr. Ronald Zuker.

With my love, Mat who makes all things possible in my life.

My beautiful high school friends who came from near and far to support Kathy and I.

My gorgeous friend Alisyn Camerota who has been so supportive of all our events and efforts, I could never do any of the fundraising without the help of all my supportive friends.

Enjoying a moment with Kathy, we did it!

Luke and his beautiful cousin Katherine.

We filmed a quick spot for Extra! with Michael Strahan, a thrill for the boys to meet him.

Giants fans meet the man -- Michael Strahan.

From New York Social Diary\May 2014

Last Thursday, May 1st, Operation Smile hosted a New York Smile event at Cipriani Wall Street. Operation Smile is the world's largest medical charity of its kind providing free cleft surgery and care.

Michael Strahan, co-host of Live with Kelly and Michael, kicked off the evening welcoming the more than 500 supporters to the 12th Annual New York Smile Event. NBC News’ Natalie Morales served as Master of Ceremonies. Singer and Tony-winning actress, Jennifer Holliday, performed. The evening raised $1 million for the organization.

Zachary Lori, Michael Strahan, Luke Lori, and Griffin Lori

Kathy Magee, Sharif Atkins, and Dr. Bill Magee

The evening honored Lisa and Mat Lori, along with Kathy Van Zeeland and her husband, Bruce Makowsky, with the Founders Circle Award. The Loris, Mrs. Van Zeeland and Mr. Makowsky have helped Operation Smile share the joy of a simple smile through their many fundraisers and initiatives. Most notably, they launched an extraordinary project called, The Three Little Bears, named after the Lori’s three sons, Zachary, Luke and Griffin, who were all born with facial paralysis. The Three Little Bears initiative was developed, designed and co-created by childhood friends, Lisa Lori, a writer, and Kathy Van Zeeland, a handbag designer. The two families have raised nearly $1 million for the organization.

Zachary Lori, Mat Lori, Luke Lori, Lisa Lori, and Griffin Lori

Three Little Operation Smile Bears

The evening also honored actor Sharif Atkins with the Universal Smile Award for his work as an official Smile Ambassador. Since 2011, Mr. Atkins has been a Smile Ambassador strongly supporting the organization's global efforts. He has raised countless dollars to heal smiles through Crowdrise as well as National Smile Month in 2012, which helped provide life-changing surgery for 50 children. He also volunteered on a mission in Ecuador in 2013. Adding to the joy of the evening, Sharif proposed to his girlfriend, Bethany Hotchkiss, on stage to a roar of applause, as the event came to a close.

Microsoft Corporation received the Corporate Humanitarian Award. Microsoft’s continued generosity has launched Operation Smile to become a truly 21st century organization. Leveraging resources and partnerships, Microsoft has facilitated donations of more than $1 million in technology, in addition to invaluable time and commitment from its team to Operation Smile’s mission. Michael D. Robinson accepted the award.