Clarke Porter: 2026 Miles for Smiles Fundraiser

There are so many journeys in life.  As luck would have it, a rare opportunity for a “one-of-a-kind” journey has come my way.  When I was planning my 70th “birthday season”, I identified the Camino as one of the things to experience. As life always has a way of doing, other things came up and I put this experience on the back burner until the SMILE Network reached out with this amazing opportunity.

This September, I will embark on the final 100 kilometers of the Camino Frances, also known as the French Way. This five-day, 62-mile trek will start in Sarria and end in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. My mission is to keep raising awareness and funds for Smile Network International, ensuring that every penny collected goes toward sponsoring surgeries for children during an upcoming surgical mission.

You should know two things: one, that I am paying all my own expenses on this trip, and two, every penny raised will go directly to sponsor surgeries for children on an upcoming surgical mission.  I have been given a goal of raising $2,500 for this mission. Can I count on your support?  Any amount is welcome and much appreciated!

A bit about the Smile Network. 

Smile Network is a non-profit, Minnesota-based, humanitarian organization that performs surgeries on children born with a birth defect of a cleft lip or palate. This organization is truly amazing because it is one of the few charities where almost everyone connected to it is a volunteer. All medical volunteers donate their time and talent on the surgical missions, as well as individuals like us who are dedicated to raising awareness and money for the cause by participating in this trek. 

For as little as $500 and in 45 minutes, Smile Network can repair a child’s birth defect and restore joy and dignity to their lives. 

I feel blessed to be able to contribute to this miracle that happens in the lives of these children. The journey to fund a surgical mission begins today. Donations of any amount are welcome and very much appreciated. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity, 

Clarke Porter