We Trippled Our Goal & Raised $156,000 For HUGS, Thanks To Many Generous Supporters & Iron Lady Foundation!
For years, Drs. Lieberman & Parikh have been volunteer surgeons for HUGS (Help Us Give Smiles) Foundation, a medical mission–driven nonprofit that transforms the lives of children born with facial differences by providing free surgeries.
This year, in addition to donating their time and surgical expertise, Drs. Lieberman and Parikh — founders of L&P Aesthetics — invited our community to join them in raising $50,000 to support this life-changing work.
In August, the Iron Lady Foundation amplified that mission by offering a $50,000 matching gift challenge.
Not only did the L&P community meet the challenge, we doubled it, and with the leading gift of $50K from Iron Lady Foundation, L&P Aesthetics will be sending $156,000 to HUGS!
Thank you to the over 75 individual donors who supported this campaign!
Iron Lady Foundation Empowers Kids Through Healthcare & Education
Founded in 2024 by Rashi Mehta in memory of her mother, Dr Leela Mehta, Iron Lady Foundation is a nonprofit organisation working to uplift women and children across underserved communities in India. Through programmes focused on education, healthcare, economic empowerment and access to basic necessities, the foundation is committed to building stronger futures and creating lasting, community-led change.
“We embarked on a partnership with HUGS as a sponsor because we are invested in the enormous impacts they deliver to children,” said Mehta.
All of us at L&P Aesthetics and HUGS Foundation are incredibly grateful for the support Iron Lady is pledging to transform the lives of children!
Thank You To Our Generous Supporters & Iron Lady Foundation for Raising $156,00K for HUGS!
HUGS accepts donations year-round so if you would like to donate to the nonprofit, please visit the HUGS website.
- All 15 Surgeries Were Sponsored! All 15 surgeries that Drs. L&P performed in Guatemala this September were fully sponsored by our community. While Drs. L&P donate their time and expertise to perform reconstruction surgeries, our community helped them provide complete care by providing additional funds for additional anesthesia, in-clinic meals, medications, and post-operative care . Learn more.
- Thank You To the Donors & Winners of The Silent Auction: The Celebration of Smiles online silent auction would not have been possible without the exclusive items donated by our generous partners! Thank you to all of the donors and all of the winners!
HUGS Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations of cash and supplies are tax-exempt to the fullest extent of the law. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): 58-2673458
“HUGS is a special organization that is totally devoted to making a positive change in these children’s lives. It is truly a privilege to be a part of the HUGS team and to play a role in these transformations.”
– Dr. David Lieberman
All About HUGS (Help Us Give Smiles)
HUGS is a medical mission-based nonprofit founded by Dr. Vito Quatela, Dr. Lieberman’s fellowship director. Since 2003, surgeons from around the country have embarked on annual trips to Ecuador, Guatemala, and Vietnam, where they perform surgeries on patients born with congenital facial deformities.
For Drs. Lieberman, Parikh, along with their surgical fellow, their trips to Guatemala are filled with microtia repairs. Microtia is a congenital condition in which the ear is underdeveloped, to varying degrees. Some patients are born with minor deformities, but still have full hearing, while others suffer more prominent hearing loss and smaller outer ears. The physical and cultural challenges this facial deformity presents can be devastating for the child and his or her family. The surgery not only enables one to have an enhancement in their appearance and function, but now they are afforded opportunities they would not have otherwise, such as assimilation into a family, a chance for a better education, and a hope for a new life.
Inside The Life-Changing Missions of HUGS
What Are The Costs Associated with A HUGS Medical Mission?
On average, the cost to perform a successful mission is $40,000.00 – $60,000.00, excluding the standard fees of world-class surgeons, surgical technicians, nurses, and other medical volunteers who all donate their time. The cost of a mission varies by location but always includes equipment, medicine, and all necessary surgical supplies.
The surgeries are performed at no cost to the children and their families. Most children in these countries do not have medical insurance. Our missions would not be possible without the support of our generous donors and medical teams who donate their time and expertise.
In the US, surgery for microtia can cost an average of $40,000. For the same amount, HUGS surgeons, including Drs. L&P, can perform surgeries for nearly 60 children in Guatemala, changing their lives. These patients are often seen by the doctors year after year, getting check-ups on their previous surgery and making any necessary adjustments, creating lasting relationships with patients and their families.
A Celebration Of Smiles: Why Your Support Matters!
Your donation to the West Coast Celebration of HUGS will go directly to the HUGS organization which sends over 90% of each donation directly towards children receiving facial surgery.
The administrative overhead of HUGS is significantly lower than that of most nonprofits for two distinct reasons. HUGS only has one full-time employee and two per diem employees to operate the entire nonprofit and coordinate multiple missions each year. All other members work in a volunteer capacity. Additionally, HUGS Founder, Dr. Vito Quatela, donates the office space and the storage space for supplies, which allows donations to be allocated directly towards the mission of providing free surgery.
One donation can go a long way in providing children with the healthcare and opportunities they deserve
- $100.00 – covers the cost of meals for one family while under the care of HUGS
- $500.00 – covers the cost of translation and travel for one patient and their family
- $1,000.00 – covers the cost of anesthesia fees for one day of surgery
To learn more about HUGS and the important work that they do worldwide, please visit the HUGS website! With any questions about the West Coast Celebration of Smiles, donations, or auction items, please reach out to [email protected].
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to our team of volunteers who have made this possible. Sarah Lammersen, Laurie Shepard, Terri Goehner, Carrie Christman, Miera Couch, and Leighanne Neville – thank you!
Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children!
