"Winter Wonderland of Little Smiles"

There are many ways to celebrate your birthday and Drexelbrook Catering and Events Center was fortunate to have been part of a recent celebration that gave so much back to those in need. On December 10th Leslie Padilla hosted the birthday celebration of her two amazing children Oscar and Paloma by throwing an incredible party that benefited the Little Smiles Foundation which gives lasting and joyous memories to sick or injured children.
An amazing day was had by all, as the South Ballroom was transformed into a "Winter Wonderland of  Little Smiles" complete with moon bounce, music, photo lounge, yoga interactive, ice luge, cupcake decorating, great food, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies and an incredible birthday cake.
When Leslie Padilla first approached us about this event we were taken by her desire to help others and teach her children the joy of community spirit. Drexelbrook Catering was more than willing to help and when The Little Smiles Foundation became the benefactor of this wonderful event the day took on a truly personal touch.


Domenick Savino the CEO of Drexelbrook Catering and his wife Kim have been personally touched by the generosity of The Little Smiles Foundation when their son became ill this summer. Here is a brief summary from Domenick.
"Our son Christian was treated for a ruptured appendix this summer.  He was treated
at Chester County Hospital.  During his initial visit he had a slight case of mono.  Two weeks prior

To that he fractured his nose playing soccer.  After his operation he could not be treated with
penicillin due to allergy, so he had to be on three different anti-biotic.

During the second of eight overnight stays, Kim and I sat with Lori in the family lounge.
On the wall was a beautiful kids mural running all around the room, on the bottom was written

“Little Smiles.org”.  I inquired with Lori and she began to tell us the story of how Little Smiles was
created, first in Florida, the here in Philadelphia.

She stated she was on the Little Smiles Gala and of course we struck up a conversation about the
catering, location and how I could help Fund raise.  Lori asked many questions about Christian’s
interests.  He is a big Phillies fan.  As a surprise, Lori arranged for our family to be pick up by Limo,
taken to a Phillies vs. Atlanta game, have a tour guide take us thru the lockers and onto the field where
we met Jason Werth!  We got autographs, great seats, photos and a limo ride home.

It was then that I went to meet with Steve who heads up Little Smiles with Jeff Mullen.  I was impressed
by Steve’s passion and he explained to me how over 95% of funds raised goes to the actual work.  There is very little, if any, administrative costs.  Lori then told us that the nurses voted to send Christian to the Little Smiles annual gala as an honoree!  

Since then, Drexelbrook has suggested that Main Line Today Magazine add Little Smiles as a charity for their annual Best of Party and then will be in 2011."

Drexelbrook Catering is so touched by the generosity and giving of this mother of two that we offered our facility and services in any manner we can. Through the assistance of our many incredible business partners we were able to transform the South Ballroom in a true "Winter wonderland of Little Smiles". This event covered on KYW News Radio was also opened to the public so children and families in need could have a very special holiday celebration.You can read the transcript from KYW here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fphiladelphia.cbslocal.com%2F2010%2F12%2F10%2Flocal-mom-teaching-her-children-about-the-gift-of-giving%2F&h=2f159

In addition to the thousands of dollars raised for The Little Smiles Foundation and the media awareness of this amazing local charity, the true joy came from the simple "thank you" that was spoken by Oscar and Paloma Padilla who at ages five and three understood the value of giving back.

Here is an amazing video montage of the children and parents who came to celebrate, support and teach the next generation what "The Season of Giving" means.
http://www.soireephiladelphia.com/FTP/littlesmiles/

More wonderful images from Laura Eaton will be posted shortly but here are a few taken on a Blackberry

(Left) Oscar Padilla enjoys a Maui Wowi Smoothie

with friends

(Left) a Cupcake Decorating Station from

Cupcakes Gourmet

I personally am touched by the generosity and giving of so many and hope that as you consider planning your children's of family events you will consider utilizing those who supported this great event through the donation of their services, time and products.

Thank you to:

Bob Mills at Philly Event Group for their incredible Steel Drum and Keyboard player who was a great teacher to the children as well.

Marci Mathis of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies for their wonderful kids and adults smoothies

Go Play Yoga for their interactive and educational yoga activities

Eric of Tonz of Fun for their incredible moon bounce, streamer cannons and streamers.

Laura Eaton of Laura Eaton Photography for her photos and Photo Lounge

Maki from Cupcakes Gourmet for her cupcake decorating bar

Rob Capone of Ice Bars, Luges and Logos for his incredible building block ice luge

David at Doughmain Bakery for the beautiful and creative cake

Drexelbrook Catering Staff for all their hard work and time

Very Special Thanks to:

Leslie Padilla, Oscar & Paloma

Domenick and Kim Savino

Bill Kay who personally came by after hearing of the event. Bill Kay is the owner of Drexelbrook Catering

Steve Grandizio of Little Smiles Foundation

 

 

 

 

(Left) A Wonderful Moon Bounce and Streamers from  Tonz Of Fun