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 Ball’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 Ball died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour 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.
Be sure to join the celebration this year on Friday, October 5th, and “Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile”!
