History

In 1999, Meredith (O'Neill) Hassett, a school teacher in Harlem, encountered many families in need of basic necessities like furniture and household supplies.

Together with childhood friends from Huntington, Long Island, Kristy (Irvine) Ryan and Louise (Rexer) Smith, Meredith created Secret Smiles. By secretly providing such items as couches, beds, and groceries to families who were living without such basic amenities, Secret Smiles has helped more than 450 families.

In 2006 Brendan Ryan, Kristy Irvine Ryan's widower and Kristy's sisters, Kerry and Wendy formed a new charity: Kristy's Smile. Kristy's Smile will continue to do the benevolent work Secret Smiles Started

Time Line:

December, 1998 - Secret Smiles aids first family from a private donation
January, 1999 - Secret Smiles receives 501C3 status, registered with federal government
February, 1999 - Secret Smiles first brochure mailed for fundraising efforts
December, 1999 - First holiday "BIG give" to 18 families in the New York area
December, 2000 - Second Holiday BIG give" to 22 families in the New York area
September 11, 2001 - Kristy Irvine Ryan, VP of Secret Smiles dies in WTC tragedy. Her husband Brendan carries
on her role as Vice President.
December, 2001 - Third Holiday "BIG give" planned
December, 2001 - The Bogmen and special guests play Secret Smiles benefit concert at Irving Plaza
September, 2002 - First charity golf outing at Colonial Springs Golf Course
2006 - Present - Brendan Ryan, Kristy Irvine Ryan's widower and Kristy's sisters, Kerry and Wendy formed a new charity: Kristy's Smile. Kristy's Smile will continue to do the benevolent work Secret Smiles Started