"We're blown away," Mr. Hinton said, noting that the organization began with one program at one hospital and has since expanded to four different programs in three hospitals, one of which is DuBois Regional Medical Center.

Through the "Brady's Blankets" and "Comfort" programs, Mr. Hinton said that the lives of more than 400 children have been touched, and added that the figure doubles when those children's parents and guardians are considered.

Brady's Smile's "Music in the ICU" and "Meals by Matt and Annie" have reached 1,000 people in the past two months, Mr. Hinton said.

"The applause should be for you," he said. "You're the ones who made this work. You touched 1,000 people, not just Annie and I.

"Thank you," he said. "You made our dream come true."

An emotional Mrs. Hinton, introduced by her husband as "the heart and soul of Brady's Smile," told the crowd that "words can't express how we feel. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

A native of Clearfield, Mrs. Hinton said she never would have imagined that she would be the president and co-founder of an organization like Brady's Smile.

"What I learned," she said, "is it's the things you don't expect that have the power to change your life."

Mrs. Hinton said that the first fundraiser was "overwhelming" and said that it's not just a fundraiser, but a "celebration of Brady's life." She talked about her "special little guy" and said his memory is being kept alive through Brady's Smile.

She said that she and her husband first got the idea to help others after spending the first four months of Brady's life in the intensive care unit. The two started at their son's first birthday party, where they raised $600 and used the money to provide a new crib to the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital ICU.

"We're the luckiest mommy and daddy in the world," Mrs. Hinton said. "We learned how one smile can brighten the day." She said she and her husband started with a "simple goal" of wanting to help families with children in the ICU.

"You can't always control where life takes you," she said. Along with the blankets, comfort bags, meals and music, Brady's Smile is also beginning "Crayons ‘n Care," a program where children draw get-well messages to be included in the comfort bags.

The Hintons plan to expand their programs and continue to involve children.

"We loved their message and find it so uplifting," Mrs. Hinton said.

She thanked Rider Short and Gabe Taylor, "two special young children" who asked for donations to Brady's Smile instead of gifts at their birthday parties.

Mrs. Hinton credited her "Aunt Don," Donna Fox, for suggesting that she hold an event in her hometown of Clearfield. She also thanked the Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Co. Auxiliary; Carol Honko, who provided desserts; and Sue Kavelak.

Ms. Kavelak, an employee of Wal-Mart, surprised the Hintons with a donation of 144 Brady Blankets made by other Wal-Mart employees. The workers also donated "Brady Buddies" to be included in the comfort bags.

Mrs. Hinton also thanked "a very special sponsor," Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, which provided the evening's meal. The Liegey family, she said, "is one of the most amazing families I know." She presented a plaque to Mr. Liegey, who opened his catering jacket to reveal a "Brady's Smile" T-shirt.

For more information about Brady's Smile or to make a donation, visit www.bradyssmile.org.