Thousand Smiles Foundation

Fundraising History

2002: A Thousand Laughs for A Thousand Smiles Dinner

The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary and Viejas Casino hosted a fundraising dinner and comedy show at the Dream Catcher Lounge on May 7th, where over $9000 for was raised for the Thousand Smiles Foundation for cleft palate surgery for poor children in Mexico. Dale Hilman of the La Mesa Rotary spearheaded the event where over 125 people were treated to a delicious steak and scampi dinner and the comedy acts of local entertainers. Steve Kelley, well known editorial cartoonist and comedian brought along some of his friends who included Rus T. Nailz, and local radio personality Glenn Erab.

2002: Finances have to date been spent of equipment and instruments sufficient to equip 2 operating rooms and a 4 chair dental facility with X-ray and orthodontic laboratory.

1987: Cathy Levovits is the wife of Marc Lebovits, MD, our ENT specialist surgeon member of the volunteer surgical team. Ms. Levovits successfully organized a gala event at the Hotel Del Coronado. A big success, the Foundation was the recipient of $60,000.

1986: The first fundraiser was held in June at Pedro Santana’s Rancho San Pedro, 17 miles east of Tecate, Mexico. This effort netted $22,000. Governor Jessop and Rotary Foundation Chairman Bill Darton (Rotary Club of National City) suggested applying for a Rotary Foundation Special Grant. Rotary International approved the Grant of $50,000 with the condition that Thousand Smiles had to bring in matching funds. A second fiesta was held in July and brought in $18,000 and a third in 1988 for $25,000. Other fiestas have been held in the ensuing years.