History

Secret Smiles of Dayton is a chapter of Secret Smiles of New York. Although our missions are the same, we maintain separate identities allowing us to provide support to our own communities.

December 1998 – Harlem schoolteacher, Meredith Hassett, becomes concerned for a student and his family who have recently relocated from a shelter. A private donation provides furniture and household necessities.

1999 – With the help of her friends, Kristy Ryan and Louise Smith, Meredith forms Secret Smiles Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. Fundraising efforts begin and 18 families in the New York area are helped.

2000 – Secret Smile, Inc. helps 22 families in the New York area.

September 11, 2001 – Kristy Ryan, V.P. of Secret Smiles Inc., and V.P. of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, dies in the World Trade Center attack. Her husband, Brendan, carries on her role as Vice President of Secret Smiles, Inc.

January 2001 – Secret Smiles of Dayton is created to continue the memory of Kristy, a 1993 graduate of the University of Dayton, and sister of Tracy Janess of Dayton, Ohio. We begin helping families in our community.

2002 – With donations raised from local Dayton organizations and fundraisers, and a partnership with the Junior League of Dayton, Secret Smiles of Dayton donates 70 cribs to a local organization that helps at risk mothers between the ages of 14 and 21.

2003 – With tremendous support and guidance from Secret Smiles, Inc. of New York, Secret Smiles of Dayton becomes a 501(c)(3) corporation serving the Dayton, Ohio area.

Today – We have currently provided more than 600 beds, cribs and bedding to Dayton area families - bringing smiles to the faces of many. Fundraising efforts continue.