“A surgery that can change a child’s life, is one of the best investments anyone can make.”

Warren Buffett,

Smile Train & WonderWork supporter

Warren Buffett is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

I met him by chance at a fancy black-tie event in New York City. He knew my father, Joseph E Mullaney, from when they used to sit on the Gillette board together. My father actually helped bring Mr. Buffett in as a “white knight” . to save Gillette from a hostile takeover in the 1980s. Mr. Buffett saved Boston’s pride and joy when he became a Gillette shareholder.

My dad and Mr. Buffett get along really well because they both play the Baritone ukulele.

After we met, I sent Mr. Buffett a letter and told him all about my charity, the Smile Train. I told him I didn’t want his money. (He had already made it clear that all of his donations were going to go to the Gates foundation.)

All I was asking for from him was his name, a picture and a quote that supported the work we were doing. I told him that we would do all the work and all I needed him to do was to say “yes.” He sent me back a letter right away and all it said was “yes “.

Thankfully, when we started WonderWork, he said “yes” a second time.