Secret Smiles Board Members (front) Erin Bockrath, Leslie Miller, Yvette Gregory, Jody Sobol (back) Tracy Janess, Molly Treese, Stephanie Geehan Our story… 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.
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 2,500 beds, cribs and bedding to Dayton area families – bringing smiles to the faces of many. Fundraising efforts continue. |
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.
