Zachary Levi Enthralls Houston’s Glamour Crowd and Helps Raise Over $350,000 For Operation Smile

A star studded evening gathered on Saturday, September 16, 2023, with over 300 of Houston’s most dedicated philanthropists at the Royal Sonesta Houston. The occasion was nothing short of extraordinary as they came together to celebrate the unwavering commitment and leadership of actor Zachary Levi, Amy and Rob Pierce, Christine Nguyen, and doctors Alice Mao and Matt Brams. These individuals have not only impacted Houston but have also left a profound mark on the global stage through their long-standing support of Operation Smile and various other Houston nonprofits and charitable causes.

Event chairs Viet Hoang and Sneha Merchant welcomed a special guest, Operation Smile’s co-founder Kathy Magee, who shared memorable moments from the charity’s remarkable 41-year history. As the evening unfolded, guests sipped cocktails, engaged in spirited bidding on auction items from esteemed organizations such as the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, LLADRO, Veronica Beard, Lena’s Asian Kitchen, and Valobra Master Jewelers. The event was further adorned with breathtaking decor and floral arrangements.

Dr. Sippi Khurana, a beloved figure in Houston, graced the stage as the evening’s master of ceremonies. She shared an emotional video featuring Sneha Merchant and her son, Zaryan, highlighting their recent mission trip to Kerala, India. Zaryan, a remarkable 13-year-old, captivated the audience as he described his first-hand experience accompanying a nine-year-old boy, Rahul, through his cleft palate surgery journey. The heartfelt narrative left the crowd deeply moved.

A notable highlight of the evening was Valobra Master Jewelers’ generous donation of a pair of earrings and a double ski package for the Operation Smile Ski Challenge in Park City, Utah. This live auction alone raised over $30,000 for the cause.

The climax of the night came when actor Zachary Levi accepted his award and delivered a heartfelt account of his unwavering commitment to Operation Smile. He shared his profound experience from his mission trip to Honduras, captivating the audience with tales of transformation and hope. Levi’s impassioned speech left an indelible mark on the hearts of all present.

The gala also saw the participation of young volunteers from St Francis School, distributing Operation Smile bears as a testament to their commitment to changing the lives of children worldwide.

Since its inception in 1982, Operation Smile has remained steadfast in its mission to provide health, hope, and life-changing cleft surgeries to patients worldwide. The organization’s comprehensive care not only transforms smiles but also empowers individuals to breathe, eat, speak, and lead lives filled with newfound confidence. Through its training and education programs, Operation Smile continues to elevate surgical standards and expand its global network to reach individuals in need earlier in their lives.

For more information about Operation Smile and how you can support their mission, please visit www.operationsmile.org or follow on social media @OperationSmile.

Spotted supporting this wonderful cause included: Ajay Khurana, Nick Merchant, Debbie and Rudy Festari, Staci and Al Lindseth, Dr. George and April Salzar, Carrie Bradsburg Dahl, Teresa Hoang and Michael Minh Vu, Naureen and Ahmad Malik, Arshad and Mona Ramji, Mandy Kao, Anna and John Reger, and many more.

Our very own LCAHouston International Society News Host Ruchi Mukherjee was on camera at the red carpet capturing all the details. Watch the interview here!

Photos courtesy Operation Smile