charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. For $20, we can give one person clean water for 20 years.
In three years, we’ve funded 1,500+ water projects in 16 developing nations that, when completed, will provide more than 820,000 people with clean, safe drinking water.

On Monday morning, in preparation for our annual gala, we ran our numbers and realized that in just over three years, we’d raised enough to give 970,000 people clean and safe drinking water. Our gala was only hours away. Our staff was nervous, excited,

scared, exhausted and happy. We knew that when the 4th annual charity: ball was over, we just might be able to serve our first million people.

A milestone for sure.

We had created many opportunities that night to raise money for water projects, but we knew the only chance we’d have to reach the million mark would come during the Live Auction.

Shortly after 9 p.m. the evening’s host, Adrian Grenier, took the stage and spoke about his dedication to ending the water crisis. Founder Scott Harrison recapped the year and gushed with thanks.

Behind them was a giant map of Africa with enough unfunded water projects to get us to a million people served. The Live Auction was about to begin.

And then, a big surprise.

Before the auctioneers took the stage, Bebo founder Michael Birch and his family shocked everyone. They announced they’d match all donations up to $1 million for staff and operations, helping us continue our 100% promise. We could hardly believe it.

Even more was at stake now.

The gavel slammed to get things started, and a donor immediately gave $50,000 to bring water to schools in Sierra Leone. Another gave $50,000 to bring water to health clinics in Ethiopia. Hands shot up and audience members cheered as donors flooded the

stage to press lit buttons and write their initials next to the water projects they had just funded. $20,000 gifts. $10,000. $5,000, $2,500. Strangers chipped in, partnering with one another to build wells.

And then it was over.

The lights were lit, and the map was covered in the initials of those who’d given… To our amazement, in about 30 minutes, we’d secured enough funding to serve our first million people with clean and safe drinking water.

Your support brought us here, and your support will carry our vision forward. Know that we start a new decade with the next million people in our sights and in our hearts.

On behalf of the first million people you’ve helped, thank you. Have a wonderful holiday season.

-The charity: water team
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