Sometimes, a smile is all it takes for happiness to blossom. Every year in Asia, over 100,000 children are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, a malformation consisting of an opening, which may vary in size, in the front of the palate. Many millions of people suffer from this condition, which may cause difficulties in eating, as well as psychological distress, isolation and financial struggles, meaning that it can affect an individual’s entire existence. However, a surgical procedure can transform their lives, especially if carried out during infancy. Through the Smile Asia alliance of charities, Menarini Asia Pacific helps patients in this region who are afflicted by this curable congenital defect. The many fundraising activities held for this cause include an art jam session, after which Menarini Asia Pacific employees donate their creations to a company auction. The initiative raised $14,000, a sum which will enable around 28 children to undergo an operation to rediscover their smiles.