World Smile Day 2013

The World is Celebrating

Welcome to the World Smile Day 2013.

As is well known by now throughout the world Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. That image went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.

As the years passed Harvey Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace.  Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day. He thought that we, all of us, should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world.  The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion.  Harvey’s idea was that for at least one day each year, neither should we.  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.

After 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 Day each year.

This website was created to provide information about  World Smile Day®, Harvey Ball and Smiley.  Browse the archives to learn more about past World Smile Day events, Smiley and his creator - Harvey Ball.  And be sure to join the celebration this year on Friday, October 4th, and "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile"!

Smile Someone on WSD '13

We continue the tradition of sending hand delivered "You've Been Smiled" Certificates to residents of Worcester, Massachusetts - Smiley's hometown - on World Smile Day 2013.  To join the fun and send a Smile Certificate to friends and loved ones within Worcester, MA city limits, simply complete and submit the form below telling us who you are and to whom we should deliver the Smile Certificate on World Smile Day this year.  The recipient will receive a hand-delivered "You’ve Been Smiled!" certificate. It’s free! But the recipient MUST live within Worcester City limits. Certificates will be delivered by Team Hank Stolz.  Submissions will close at 5pm EST on Thu, Oct 3rd, 2013.

World Smile Day 2013 Ambassadors

Be a World Smile Day Ambassador and let us know what you'll be doing!

Every year we receive emails and letters from people around the world informing us of the events they have organized or how they as individuals planned to observe World Smile Day.  We consider them to be "World Smile Day Ambassadors".  You too can be an Ambassador by making people aware of World Smile Day and its purpose and message.

Organize events to mark the day at school, work, with your organization or as an individual.  Recognize those who perform acts of kindness everyday.  Surprise those in need of a smile.

The possibilities are endless and the theme is simple - "Do an act of kindness.  Help one person smile!"   Please let us and the world know how you will observe the day by leaving a message on our comments board shown below and have  great World Smile day