Tim Yap during the 2019 BMW Berlin-Marathon
The largest cleft-focused nonprofit in the world, Smile Train, will travel to London for the TCS London Marathon with its renowned endurance fundraising campaign Team Empower. Tim Yap and Javi Martinez, a celebrity couple, along with 50,000 other runners, along with businessmen and legislator Cong. Sam Verzosa decides to take on the 26.2-mile course’s challenge for a worthwhile cause.
“The genuine compassion and sustained service of our Smile Train ambassadors have been an essential part of our success today. Their collective efforts have helped give patients access to the care that they deserve and have extended the organization’s reach in providing safe and quality cleft treatment. We are grateful to Tim, Javi, and Sam for furthering their advocacy and pledging their commitment to this cause,” said Southeast Asia Vice President of Smile Train Philippines, Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano.
Maximizing fundraising potential with Team Empower
Over £1 billion has been donated at London Marathon events since 1981, maximizing profits for global charities. The marathon’s motivating events have helped participants raise money for causes ranging from brain research projects to children’s organizations to breast cancer awareness campaigns.
Congressman Sam Verzosa (Upper left) during the 2023 Watsons Race for Wellness and
Javi Martinez (Lower right) during the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon
Smile Train, one of the charities, strengthens its commitment to volunteerism and ensures that every child has the opportunity to lead a full and productive life. Together with 20+ other runners from other countries, Smile Train Team Empower will be represented by eventologist Tim Yap, his partner and events director, Javi Martinez, as well as Frontrow CEO and Congressman Sam Verzosa.
“For years now, I have been committed to supporting Smile Train’s cause and helping improve the lives of children with cleft. This cause is very personal to me and what drives me the most is my realized purpose and goals of helping the organization reach more patients in need of treatment. I want to finish strong and with my partner Javi by my side as well as my dear friend Sam, my confidence has greatly multiplied,” shared Yap when asked about his motivations for joining the marathon.
Pia Wurtzbach during her visit to Our Lady of Peace Hospital in 2017
Miss Universe 2015 and fellow Smile Train ambassador Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is one among the group’s ardent supporters. The beauty queen supported the cause and invited supporters to cheer on her friends in the forthcoming marathon. She has long served as a spokesperson for Smile Train and Team Empower at several fundraising events.
“All this support is what makes Smile Train’s programs grow stronger throughout the years. Apart from comprehensive patient treatment, Smile Train also empowers medical professionals and local hospitals with all-around high-quality cleft care. Combined efforts have allowed the organization to go beyond surgery and allow children with cleft to not just live normally, but to thrive,” concluded Flaviano.
Visit the Smile Train website at www.smiletrain.org and the Facebook page for Smile Train Philippines at www.facebook.com/SmileTrainPhilippines for additional details on the organization’s projects and efforts.
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