Simply Smiles, a Norwalk-based charity organization, will present its annual "Keep Hope Alive" fundraising event on Friday, March 31, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.

The event will begin at 7 pm with a cocktail hour with complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. At 8, Simply Smiles Founder Bryan Nurnberger will briefly outline some of the organization's current youth and community development initiatives, including efforts to educate Native American youth in South Dakota and to eradicate parasitic infection in the mountains of Mexico.

The Newtown fundraiser will also honor Jan and Scott Redfern of Monroe for their continued dedication to Simply Smiles. Since 2008, the Redferns have traveled nine times to the organization's program locations, working with indigenous children and families on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota and in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Simply Smiles is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing bright futures for impoverished children. Simply Smiles works side-by-side with the communities they serve to develop a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty.

The organization also provides children and families with the essential building blocks for a bright future, everything from food and shelter to medical care and scholarships.

Guests on March 31 will have the opportunity to donate any amount to support Simply Smiles projects. There is no cost to attend, and the event is open to all. Dress is business casual.

In addition to the Newtown event, Simply Smiles "Keep Hope Alive" fundraisers are also planned for April 1 in Essex, April 21 in Farmington, April 22 in New York City, and April 28 in Norwalk.

Simply Smiles is requesting that those who plan to attend the two-hour event make reservations at simplysmiles.org. Additional information about the organization is also available online.

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