AUSTIN, Texas — Attendees showed their gratitude for life and clean water by turning out in force for the 2019 Spring for the Water, the annual fundraising event that raises money for water projects in Burundi, Africa.
150 attendees were at the celebration, raising enough money for the Austin-based Gazelle Foundation to help at least 4,300 people get daily access to clean water in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world.
The April 30th event also recognized the 25th anniversary of Gilbert Tuhabonye’s escape from genocide. And recognized several of the key people behind the Gazelle Foundation’s success: philanthropists DK, Mike and Kley Reynolds, accepted the Peter Rauch World Changer Award.
Chikage Windler, Chief Meteorologist, CBS Austin emceed the evening.
April 30, 2019 was Spring For The Water day in Austin, Texas.
“Everyone in Austin was reminded last week of the importance of access to clean water, ” said Courtney Waldren, executive director of the Gazelle Foundation, which organizes the event. “There’s no better way to show our gratitude than to give to others. It was inspiring to see the sold out event do that, either by attending, sponsoring, donating money or volunteering.”
This is an annual event organized by the foundation, a non-profit founded by local runner Peter Rauch along with Austin resident and Burundian genocide survivor Gilbert Tuhabonye. Since 2006, the Gazelle Foundation has helped bring clean drinking water to nearly 100,000 people in Burundi.
Link to Spring For The Water event photo gallery
While many Americans take access to clean water for granted, for the people of Burundi, it’s a matter of life and death. Waterborne contaminants are the leading cause of death in the land-locked African nation. Burundi has one of the world’s highest child mortality rates due largely to a lack of clean drinking water.
The Gazelle Foundation is able to make an enormous impact on the everyday lives of Burundians by working closely with them to complete clean water projects one village at a time.
The foundation raises money for water projects throughout the year and leads educational projects on the importance of clean water.
Learn how you can join the Gazelle Foundation in transforming lives. Become a monthly or one time donor.
Follow the Gazelle Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on the outcomes and effectiveness of this and other Foundation water systems.
For the people of Burundi water is life. Access to clean water means access to better health, stronger community, jobs, education and most of all: hope. Join us and transform lives today!
Photographs of Spring For The Water event benefitting the Gazelle Foundation are available below.
Link to Spring For The Water event photo gallery
SPONSORS of 2019 SPRING FOR THE WATER
Gazelle Foundation made our goal because of generous support of the following sponsors
Robin Jackson Photography
Cornerstone Society Members
Health Guild Members
Visionary Sponsors
2019 Spring For The Water Event Committee