Michael Franti To Be Honored with Universal Smile Award in SF

Michael Franti pictured with Three Little Bears in honor of being named
Operation Smile’s first San Francisco Universal Smile Award recipient.

Musician and Do It For the Love Foundation Founder Michael Franti

to Receive Universal Smile Award at

San Francisco Operation Smile Gala

San Francisco, CA (September 23, 2014) – Musician and Founder of the Do It For the Love Foundation, Michael Franti, will be honored with the Universal Smile Award by Operation Smile, at the San Francisco Smile Gala on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel. Shab Farzaneh and Shirin Gonili will co-chair and Lisa Lori, Founders’ Circle member, will serve as honorary chair. In addition to accepting the award, Franti will entertain guests with a special, short acoustic performance at the Gala. Liam Mayclem, Host of CBS 5TV’s Eye on the Bay will serve as the evening’s emcee. 

 “We are proud to present the Universal Smile Award to Michael Franti in recognition of his foundation’s work to better the lives of others through the healing power of music,” said Operation Smile Co-Founder, Kathy Magee.   

Operation Smile, is an international children’s medical charity, which provides free surgeries for children worldwide suffering from facial deformities - healing their smiles and transforming their lives. Kathy Magee will personally present the Universal Smile Award which recognizes individuals who exemplify an extraordinary commitment to helping others in need who are facing medical challenges. 

Founded by musician and Bay Area native, Michael Franti and E.R. nurse Sara Agah, Do It For The Love’s mission is to inspire joy, hope, and lasting powerful, family-centered memories through the healing power of music. The Foundation 

(www.doitforthelove.org) grants live concert music wishes for people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans. During the event, a live auction will be held to raise money to provide life changing surgeries for children around the world.  For $240, a child will receive a smile surgery and both the donor and an Operation Smile patient will receive one of the Three Little Bears (www.operationsmile.org/bears) named after Lisa Lori’s three sons. 

“It is an honor to be Operation Smile’s first San Francisco Universal Smile Award recipient. Sara and I have both witnessed how moments of joy can bring inspiration and hope to people at times of greatest need,” said Franti.

Individual tickets for the Smile Gala begin at $150. For more information, please visit www.operationsmile.org/sfgala.

We love Michael Franti and his concerts are fun, joyful and energizing experiences.  We are so happy he will be accepting the award.