Local Families Team-Up to Raise Funds and Awareness about Clefts
“Cleft Proud Peoria Proud” to Host 2nd Annual Fundraiser in Support of Smile Train
July is National Cleft Awareness Month
Peoria, Illinois (July 8, 2022) – Six families, all with children born with a cleft lip and/or palate, are banding together to educate the public while raising money for Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-based children’s charity. “We call our support group Cleft Proud Peoria Proud because we all have a connection to Peoria. It’s where we went to high school. All six families reconnected on social media and began supporting one another as we each had a child born with a cleft,” said Molly Fiddes, member of Cleft Proud Peoria Proud.
If left untreated, people with clefts can face numerous health complications, including difficulty with speaking, eating, breathing, and hearing. “I was fearful, scared, sad, and worried when my doctor told me my son, Miles, would be born with a cleft lip and palate. I don’t want any other mom to feel that way,” Fiddes added.
Fiddes and five other cleft-affected families are continuing to raise awareness about the condition as they gear-up for the 2nd Annual Cleft Proud Peoria Proud fundraiser to benefit Smile Train. “Last year, we raised more than $25,000 to give new smiles to children who couldn’t otherwise afford to get their clefts treated. This year, we’d like to double that number. Every child deserves to smile,” Fiddes concluded.
The family-friendly fundraiser will offer live music, a silent auction, and fun activities for children. Tickets include food and one free drink. Children 12 and under are free. The event will take place on Saturday, July 9th from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Olympia Sports Bar & Grill, 1301 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria IL, 61615. To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, click here.
About Smile Train:Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train’s sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.
