The Ritz-Carlton hotels of Asia Pacific are set to hit a new milestone this week for Smile Asia – a global alliance of independent charities, as it launches its third regional fundraiser program which will bring total funds raised to over US$1 million. Smile Asia Week runs from May 2 to 8 and sees specially-crafted cakes sold to raise funds for the international medical charity which provides children with cleft lips or palates a reason to smile again.
All 24 Ritz-Carlton hotels in Asia-Pacific are participating with over 10,000 people lending their skills and passion to their community and guests. Each pastry chef has lovingly crafting his own variation on the Smile Asia Week signature cake which features the universally popular flavours of chocolate and banana. All cakes are sold exclusively through the website www.smileasiaweek.org. Customers from around the world can also arrange for cakes to be delivered to their loved ones and friends in Asia to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday and even Mother’s Day on May 8.
All proceeds go directly to the charity and will be used to send medical volunteers on surgical missions across Asia. This year, The Ritz-Carlton enhanced its collaborative program to celebrate the spirit of giving. These include collaborations with local schools, the creation of a First Class Smile Card which gives everyone a chance to thank and recognise the role they play in restoring a smile in the workplace and for the children supported by Smile Asia.
Volunteer ladies and gentlemen from The Ritz-Carlton are also participating in mission trips to remote locations in seven Asian countries to see firsthand how affected children have had their smiles restored. The volunteer work includes setting up the mobile surgery stations, patient registrations and numerous tasks to aid the success of each Smile Asia mission.
“The Ritz-Carlton has always had a cornerstone guiding principle of striving to make a difference in the communities where we operate. Smile Asia Week is an annual signature event and just one way our ladies and gentlemen proudly share their skills and knowledge to lift up communities in Asia and inspire our guests to join us in this sustainable effort,” said Victor Clavell, Vice President – Asia-Pacific. “I am delighted that Smile Asia is able to change so many lives with our contribution.”
Funds raised in the previous two years totaled US$790,000 to support almost 1,000 surgeries and the contribution in 2016 is expected to be even higher, bringing the total funds raised in three years to over US$1 million.
