The smiley face was created by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts in1963. The image went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.
He thought soon after being created the symbol was being over commercialized its original meaning and intent had become lost. He decided that we should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world and that the smiley face would know no politics, no geography and no religion.
He declared that the first Friday in October each year would henceforth be World Smile Day. Ever since that first World Smile Day held in 1999, it has continued every year in Smiley's hometown of Worcester, MA and around the world.
When Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honor his name and memory. The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile each year.
The slogan of the Smile Foundation is “improving this world, one smile at a time.”
So be sure to join the celebration this year on Friday, October 7th, and "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile"!
