Operation Smile club recently debuted a new annual fundraiser, the Winter Carnival. In partnership with Dolphin Dash, they organized clubs to create booths with games and activities for local elementary school children. The event raised a total of $392, through a combination of entry fees and food sales, making it the club’s most successful event this year.

Planning began early in the school year through a special committee of both Dolphin Dash and Operation Smile club members, and the committee was overseen by Andrea Smolin and Shirley Hall, the advisors of the two clubs.

“Once the Winter Carnival was only a few weeks away, the Operation Smile executive board started to contact different clubs, and ask them to contribute a booth or game. It was a lot of work trying to find clubs to join with only a week left to join but we managed to do it,” said Operation Smile president Jondre Macaraeg.

12 different clubs held attendance, including Asian Culture Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Rocketry Club, Kid2Kid, and Future Health Professionals. Representatives from each club ran a small game at their booths such as miniature bowling, cornhole, or brain teasers.

“The kids really enjoyed playing the games and getting candy, and I had a lot of fun interacting with the community,” said Class of 2020 volunteer Naia Smith.

Dolphin Dash also contacted local businesses to provide food, which they sold during the event. Donors included HUMAN Healthy Vending and Beach Bully. They served barbeque sandwiches, pizza, chips, and drinks to the kids and parents in attendance.

“I thought it was a very fun event that gathered lots of dolphins together to help a very important cause. It was a success in my opinion, and I would love to hold it again next year. I’m also very grateful for Ms. Hall and the Dolphin Dash Student Crew for all their hard work in helping our club hold one of its biggest fundraisers ever,” said Jondre.