Bridget Beresford and TEAM S.M.I.L.E.

Bridget Beresford is a special 12 year old girl who has cerebral palsy. In 2008 Bridget found out about Bonner Paddock’s fundraising efforts to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and quickly made the decision that she wanted to help. Soliciting the help of her closest friends, Bridget held a lemonade sale and quickly raised $600. This initial success led Bridget to create the ACTS of KINDNESS Charity Group with her friends. The newly formed charity group then held a bake sale and raised another $350. It is truly amazing how Bridget has embraced these philanthropic endeavors at such a young age.

On October 17, 2008 UCP of Orange County honored Bridget for her efforts with their annual Life Without Limits Award at their Gala in Laguna Beach. During her acceptance of the award, Bridget announced that she is going to complete the 5K race at the OC Marathon on May 3, 2009. Taking on the bold vision set by Bonner, Bridget has set forth her own physically challenging goal along with an ambitious fundraising goal of raising $100,000 to be donated for the development of an inclusive early learning center to be built in Orange County.

To kick-off her OC Marathon endeavor, Bridget formed Team S.M.I.L.E. – which stands for Strength, Motivation, Inspiration and Limitless Enthusiasm. UCP of Orange County is very proud of Bridget and her efforts.To learn more about Bridget and Team S.M.I.L.E. click here