Local Teen's Eagle Scout Project Helps Children with Cleft Lip

Port Washington teen Nicholas Haas was born with cleft lip-palate.

He had to undergo several surgeries in his childhood to build his missing lip and straighten the bridge of his nose.

"I've had orthodontic work and different gadges in my mouth, since I was in fifth grade," Haas said; but he doesn't complain about his situation. In fact, Haas is grateful to have received the care he did at Children's Hospital to correct the situation; many kids do not, he said.

That's why he's focusing his Eagle Scout project around helping kids born with cleft lip/palate that might not be fortunate enough to receive the proper care to correct the situation.

On Sunday, Haas is hosting "Nicholas' Shot for Smiles," a trap shooting event at Ozaukee Fish and Game, 5213 County Road Y, Fredonia, in order to raise money to benefit Operation Smile, an international effort to help children born with cleft lip/palate or other facial deformities.

Haas is hoping the event can help raise about $4,000, which will allow him to purchase supplies for "Smile Bags" — a canvas bag that he'll fill with a toothbrush, toothpaste, crayons and a coloring book — which will be donated to Operation Smile.

The trap shoot event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $20 for two rounds of trap as well as lunch; shooters must have eye and ear protection as well as their own gun and ammunition.

The day is also open to the public, in case anyone wants to stop for lunch or to donate.