Updates
Gilbert Tuhabonye was honored to represent Burundi by becoming the first torchbearer ahead of the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia. For a man nearly burned alive to bear a flame as a symbol of peace and friendship, it was a full-circle moment for Gilbert. In recognition of the Paris Games, we talked about this extraordinary experience with him.
Arianna B. is a third-year student at McGill University studying environment and international development. She grew up around the Austin area and is spending part of the summer in Bulgaria. Arianna is working with our communications, program services, and outreach teams to research water systems we’ve built.
We extend our deepest thanks to Arianna for interning with us this summer.
The Gazelle Foundation welcomes Mary Ann Frishman to the board. She is the president of Frishco, Ltd., an editorial development house she founded in 1995. She believes that the Gazelle Foundation’s focus on one issue—clean water—is key to its success and is foundational to the health and welfare of Burundians.
Austin High School Academy of Global Studies students fund clean water for an entire grade-level of students in Burundi.
For the eighth year in a row AGS Students donated and fundraised, and participated in a walk simulation all of which support our work of providing people in need daily access to clean water.
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ryabitari-Gatoga water system began on May 1, 2024, and was completed on July 25, 2024. At the outset, there was no clean water located near the community. By abject necessity, the majority of the population relies on a primary water source that is several miles away from the community, and the water there is contaminated. The system now provides clean water to 1,000 residents.
Run For The Water is made possible by the efforts of many. We want you to get to know the people who make the event possible. Tessa Madison is taking the reins for race development manager this year. She has been a key member of the Gazelle Foundation and Run For The Water for more than a decade, her tenure includes working to make the Foundation’s mission, special events, and philanthropy accessible to children and families.
💧As Gazelle Foundation celebrates World Water Day this March 22, we acknowledge that access to clean water plays a critical role in global stability and prosperity. This is why we construct clean water systems with multiple distribution points that serve rural villages, health clinics, schools, churches, and more. See the impact we are making together.
