Wells of Life Surpasses Goal and Raises Over $100,000
Mission Viejo, CA (PRWEB) October 22, 2013 -- The 2nd Annual Wells of Life Gala and Auction took place on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Mission Viejo Country Club with a little under 200 in attendance; the Laguna Beach nonprofit raised over $100,000. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner, no host cocktails, entertainment from Irish dancers from the Aniar Academy, as well as a silent and live auction.
During the program, two honorees were recognized for their Lifetime Achievements; Ethne Keegan and Toni Danchik. Keegan, a registered nurse at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and philanthropist, is an International Speaker and Educator and has helped many around the world. Keegan has been instrumental with Wells of Life by organizing the mission trips to Uganda allowing volunteers and whoever wishes to attend, to see firsthand the difference their contribution makes to the Ugandan communities. Danchik is an artist and Curator for Artisan Gallery at Mission Viejo Country Club and shows her work at the Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano. Danchik donated an original painting, “New Life at the Water Well” which raised $4,000 during the live auction. This signature piece inspired many to give from their hearts as it shows the expression of children getting the much needed water they so deserve.
Nick Jordan, President of Wells of Life, was very excited about the evening, “We want to thank everyone who took part in making our fundraising efforts a success proving we can make a difference when it comes to providing water to those who need it most. What we saw last night was a giant leap of humanity and we have reached an important milestone by being able to fund our 100th well by years end.”
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the $6.00 solution; drilling a well for fresh water in Uganda costs $6,000 which serves 1,000 people. All guests were able to save one life and change the world.
Leighton Mauze a student from San Antonio Texas Alamo Heights High School, Chrissy Cheung from Mission Viejo High School and Katie Altman from La Cañada Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy were also introduced. Each of them spoke about their passion for Wells of Life as they each have started clubs at their high schools on behalf of the charity raising funds for building a well.
The room was silent when letters from Africa were read; 9 year old children Manus Jordan and Elana Sewell, read letters from children in Uganda who thanked Wells of Life for the building of their well and what it meant to them and their village. The last letter, read by Board Member Michelle Yegsigian, was from a principal of a school who pleaded for a well because of the poverty and sickness they are enduring from having no water.
Afterwards, a video was shown on how Wells of Life gives the people of Uganda hope and creates a new opportunity for prosperity and peace – creating sustainable water sources that will impact generations to come.
Sponsors for the event were Total Wine, Environmental Water Systems, OC Register Magazine and Lasik Center Medical Group of Irvine.
About Wells of Life:
Wells of Life is a Laguna Beach, California based nonprofit organization that was founded in 2008 with the sole purpose of providing Ugandan communities with access to clean and safe drinking water. Wells of Life is committed to drilling wells and empowering Ugandan communities with the gift of water. To learn more about Wells of Life and how to get involved, visit http://www.wellsoflife.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Kelly Bennett of Bennett Productions Unlimited at Kelly(at)BPUnlimited(dot)com or (949) 463-6383.
Photos by Peggy O'Donnell.
Kelly Bennett, Bennett Productions Unlimited, LLC, http://www.BPUnlimited.com, +1 949-463-6383, [email protected]
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