PRA Group Global Investments and Analytics Officer Cycles for Smiles
Financial Services Company Executive Bikes 40 Miles to Support Operation Smile
NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 1, 2022 – PRA Group’s Chris Graves, executive vice president of global investments and analytics, joined Operation Smile to “Cycle for Smiles,” a 40-mile bike ride celebrating the nonprofit’s four decades of transforming children’s lives through comprehensive cleft care.
The worldwide charity ride will continue through December, with cyclists participating in local events and individual campaigns to raise awareness and funding for Operation Smile.
By joining a group of cyclists who represent the local reach of Operation Smile over the past 40 years, Graves was invited to join the event as a tribute to Hampton Roads, Virginia, home to the global headquarters of both Operation Smile and PRA Group. Local riders will cycle over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and continue through Virginia Beach to finish the 40-mile ride at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters.
“With support from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel District leaders and regional elected officials, we received special permission to use the bridges to create this challenging course of just over 40 miles to celebrate our 40 years,” said Brigette Clifford, director of student strategic initiatives and student programs for Operation Smile.
“Cycle for Smiles is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Operation Smile, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support we have found from our community to make this possible,” Clifford continued. “We are honored to have local leaders participating today to champion our cause!”
PRA Group has long been a supporter of Operation Smile, having renewed a multi-year contribution of $100,000 in 2021. In addition to cleft care, the donation supports outreach to local schools through educational programs at Operation Smile’s Interactive Learning Center (ILC) that raise awareness for cleft conditions among middle- and high-school students, as well as surgical programs that bring youth and adults alike directly into care-giving relationships with patients and their families.
Graves’ own daughters have participated in Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) and volunteered in the field with the organization.
“I speak for myself and for PRA Group when I say we are proud to be able to contribute to a cause that makes both health and confidence possible for so many. Operation Smile has been an incredible partner with real, tangible impact throughout the years, and we offer our sincerest congratulations on their 40 years of creating life-changing solutions worldwide,” said Graves. “It has been an honor to Cycle for Smiles!”
Cycle for Smiles offers both virtual and in-person opportunities to participate, making it possible to join the cause from anywhere in the world. Supporters can register, set goals and track progress by visiting: https://www.charityfootprints.com/CycleForSmiles/
About Operation Smile
Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. It provides medical expertise, research and care through dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Its training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at www.operationsmile.org or by following @operationsmile on social media.
About PRA Group
As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia. With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com.
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