MAKE 'm SMILE Orlando - https://nathanielshope.org

For the last 20 years, we have been hosting MAKE ‘m SMILE, the BIGGEST party celebrating kids with special needs, our VIPs, (of all ages) at Lake Eola in Orlando, FL. It has traditionally been held on the first Saturday of June to commemorate the birthday of Nathaniel Timothy Kuck (June 6th).

Through the years, many have expressed a concern about the heat making it difficult for their VIPs to attend. In addition, the threat of tropical activity is also a reality that we face each year. After much deliberation, we have made a decision to move MAKE ‘m SMILE to the first Saturday of May! We hope this will allow more VIPs to participate and enjoy our celebration.

Mark your Calendar NOW!!!!

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Downtown Orlando | Lake Eola

Here’s How You Can Join Us This Year!

VIP Sponsor Resource Exhibitor Smile Maker Volunteer Buddy

See What It's All About!

Just what is MAKE ‘m SMILE?

MAKE ‘m SMILE is the BIGGEST Party celebrating kids with all types of disabilities (our VIPs) of all ages! It is filled with family entertainment, games, characters, animals, food, helpful resources from the community, and tons of SMILES!

If you have a VIP or you know families who have kids or adults with special needs, invite them to join the fun!

VIPs are individuals of all ages with any type of disability who have Value and Incredible Purpose. This is a day to celebrate life and the unique abilities of every VIP!

What Are We Going To Do?

Have LOTS of fun including:

Bounce Houses | Performances | Crafts | Games | Food | Characters | Animals & More

Fun for the whole family! Join us and bring a friend!!!!!

FREE ADMISSION FOR VIPS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY!

But please register today so we know you are coming!

Come as a VIP

Be our honored guest!

VIPs are individuals with any physical, cognitive, medical, or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.

MAKE ‘m SMILE is a party to honor and celebrate people with all types of special needs – our VIPs.

The event is FREE, but registration is required.

VIP Information Register Now

* ALL registrants also qualify for fun program benefits such as Birthday club gifts!

Request Your Lost VIP # Retrieve My Tickets

Be a Sponsor

Show Special Needs Families you care!

We can’t do it without your help! There are so many ways to participate including:

Provide a cash gift
Provide a gift-in-kind item or service
Offer an activity or entertainment

Sponsor Information Register Now

Be a Resource Exhibitor

Connect with families!

Help the Special Needs community learn how you can be a resource for them.

Have a Booth

Meet families and provide a special activity to bring smiles to VIPs and their families

Join us and share your resource with the special needs community!

MAKE ‘m SMILE Resource Exhibitors are non-profit organizations that serve the Special Needs community.

Click here to access the 2023 Resource Exhibitor Info Sheet

Resource Exhibitor Information Register Now

Be a Smile Maker

Put Smiles on faces!

A Smile Maker is any non-profit individual, group, church, organization, or school that provides non-professional entertainment.

Examples:

High school/college sports teams
Church puppet teams
character Groups
Drama groups
Clowns
Face-painters
Singing groups
and MORE!

Smile Maker Information Register Now

Volunteer With Us!

Join the Smile Team!

Help set up and run the event from start to finish. Volunteers receive an assigned position and commit to working the entire event. MAKe ‘m SMILE is not possible without our Smile Team!

Volunteer opportunities Include:

Volunteer Information Register Now

Be a Buddy!

Help create the best environment for VIP families!

Come join the event and create ever-lasting memories with a VIP family on a Buddy Stroll around Lake Eola!

Being a Buddy means you will be assigned to a VIP family and join them as they make their way around the event! This is a great opportunity to get to learn more about the special needs community and make new friends!

This is an option for people who would like to join the event but are unable to commit to attending the entire event.