​Who We Are
Smile for Budgie, Inc. (SMILE) was established in August 2015 in Melbourne, Florida. SMILE is an independent non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. SMILE was established in honor of Paul "Budgie" Burgess to carry forward his legacy of humanitarian work advancing peace and social justice, and alleviating human suffering.

Mission
The mission of SMILE is to provide educational and psycho-social support to vulnerable and at-risk children and youth who have been abandoned, neglected and/or abused. SMILE works to promote healthy positive development of young people and advance the well-being of individuals and communities. Current projects focus on educational support, leadership development, expressive arts for healing and empowerment, and nature focused animal assisted learning.
Vision
All children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential. It is crucial to prevent more children from suffering tragedies of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Children deserve the right to live without violence, and be given access to the resources necessary to become healthy citizens in this world. Access to education is a basic human right. It reduces poverty and child labor and offers the tools needed to succeed in life. It is critical that we work together in bringing forth the necessary change to end violence towards children and youth and support their development to live in a world of opportunities. Raising awareness of the plight of vulnerable children and youth is imperative for change. Together we can make a difference. Thank you for your support to SMILE.
“Laugh hard, smile big, hug with meaning, show your love, be happy, and always be kind to each other. Cheers and peace.”
​Program Highlight
Brevard Youth Leadership Council: Please watch this short video of the program. Click on here.
The Brevard Youth Leadership Council is a leadership board that is organized to give “youth voice and choice” in impacting change in foster care policy and practice. The vision of the Youth Council is that all youth and young adults in the system of care will have opportunities to thrive.
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The youth developed their Council after completing the 6 month leadership training Academy. The Academy prepared the youth with the leadership capacity to learn the key skills needed to be effective self-advocates as well as advocates for system change-as members of the Brevard Youth Leadership Council.
The program focuses on developing leadership, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution and team building skills to serve as effective leaders in their community. To learn more please visit the BYLC page.
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Program Highlight
Career Pathways Resource Guide
For youth ages 16-24 who are seeking employment or a career path, this document will guide you in the right direction and provides excellent resources to get you started. Information provided by Career Source Brevard. Click on here.
In Honor of
Paul “Budgie” Burgess
1976-2015
​Paul was a true humanitarian who worked around the world building bridges of peace and hope, working to eradicate poverty, and advocating for social justice and human rights. Paul envisioned a world where children lived in peace and had opportunities to reach their full potential. A humanitarian aid worker, surfer, and drummer, Paul believed wholeheartedly in the goodness of humanity and that working together we can bring forth change. Paul lived his life with respect for others and through his accepting and loving character had a profound impact on many lives around the world.
​"Fragile" - Tribute Album (Click to listen)
The band "Call to Arms Project" from Cornwall, England joined in collaboration with SMILE to make an album in tribute to Paul "Budgie" Burgess. The album contains the beautiful original music by singer/songwriter Ben Bowden and lifelong friend of Paul. Paul was the original drummer in the Call to Arms Band.
All proceeds of the album are donated to SMILE in providing vital educational and psycho-social assistance to the most vulnerable children and youth.
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Please watch the short video highlighting the music in honor of Paul and SMILE. Special thanks to Andrew Halassy for the video production. Great appreciation to The Call to Arms Project. Watch the video on youtube at: https://youtu.be/jA87-pqGoIg
The Call To Arms Project plays melodic acoustic rock. They take influences from the world of rock, pop, punk and even folk and mix them all together. The acoustic guitars always keep the vibe mellow but the lyrical content gives the listener focus and can be edgy at times, written to acknowledge and embrace a range of human emotions. The songs are 'sing-along' but their depth gives them longevity and meaning.
“Never believe that a few caring people cannot change the world. For, indeed, that is all who ever have.”
Margaret Mead