In the year 2000, the Free Smile Card was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: to help people rediscover the joy of smiling. Created by David Staenberg, affectionately known as "The Free Smile Guy," the card began as a tool to inspire his clients during his time as a drug and alcohol counselor, mental health advocate, and state corrections professional. The goal was simple—encourage people to smile and share that positivity with others.