Texan sweetheart Jessica Simpson made a detour from the red carpet to visit Washington on a charity mission this week. America's favourite blonde was in Capitol Hill to lobby US congressmen on behalf of children with facial deformities.
In a black cardigan and form-fitting slacks, with her distinctive mane swept back into a knot, the The Dukes Of Hazzard actress made a business-like entrance to face the cameras. Once inside she made an impassioned appeal for free treatment for youngsters with conditions such as cleft palates.
As an international youth ambassador for Operation Smile, an organisation which funds surgery for such young people, Jessica has seen at first hand the relief it provides.
"It really changed my life and changed my perspective," she said after meeting kids who'd benefited from the operations. "It was truly spiritual. The purpose of life is to walk through it smiling."
Last October Jessica joined a field trip to Kenya, where she helped medical staff carrying out examinations of patients who'd come to remote sites for treatment. The star did her bit by handing out gifts and joking with the children as they waited to be seen.
The actress' involvement with Operation Smile dates to 2003 when she performed at a fundraising concert for the organisation.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
