From left, AirAsia CSR Executive Kevin Samonte and Operation Smile Philippines Executive Director Emiliano Romano with AirAsia Cabin Crew Arci, Pam, and CJ. Photo courtesy of AirAsia
AirAsia holds ‘Swing for Smiles’ golf tournament fundraiser
AIRASIA Philippines partnered with Operation Smile Philippines in the first-ever “Swing for Smiles” Golf Tournament, which aimed to raise funds for the benefit of children and individuals with cleft lip and palate.
The charity event, held at the Tagaytay Midlands, was supported and attended by 142 golfers from all over the country, generating a total of P500,000 for the beneficiaries’ palatoplasty procedures.
Adding thrill to the event is awarding four AirAsia round trip tickets to the gold, silver, and bronze winners – covering all of the airline’s 15 domestic destinations.
AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan said, “We have been a proud partner of Operations Smile for years now, and we are glad that we get to support them once again in this initiative. Through the ‘Swings for Smile’ Golf Tournament, we [can] raise awareness and necessary funding for early intervention for children with cleft palate. We thank all the 142 golfers that participated and chose to be part of this cause.”
Operation Smile Philippines Executive Director Emiliano Romano said, “We are thankful for our benefactors who generously support our advocacy. Our deepest gratitude to AirAsia Philippines for heeding our call for support. Truly, their support goes beyond flying children with cleft lip and cleft palate for surgery.”
Present during the tee-off were AirAsia Philippines Corporate Social Responsibility Executive Kevin Samonte, Operation Smile Executive Director Emiliano Romano, and Development Manager Carolynne Arriola.
Aside from the thrilling one-day tournament, golf aficionados were also treated to themed games and giveaways from AirAsia Super App Philippines and other partner brands during the event.
AirAsia Philippines has also continuously supported Operation Smile through a donation drive on all of its domestic flights.
The “world’s best low-cost airline”, through the alwaysREDy to go the extra mile for a smile program, continues to fly Operation Smile doctor volunteers and children with cleft lip and palate from their hometowns to Manila to avail of necessary medical facilities and procedures. By Jun I. Legaspi
