Water is one of the most basic human rights and necessities in life. But what if you had to walk FOUR miles every day just to obtain dirty and contaminated water? This is reality for 663 million people around the world, and an inspiring group of celebrities and individuals came together on Saturday (April 21) to shine a light on this crisis.
The 9th Annual Thirst Project Gala took place at The Beverly Hilton and was a night of inspiration and change. The event celebrated the mission and accomplishments of the Thirst Project, the world’s largest youth water organization. The organization educates students all over the world—more than 500,000 to be exact—about the global water crisis and challenges them to fundraise to build freshwater wells in developing nations and impoverished communities. In just nine years, these students have raised $8.8 million, which has given more than 334,000 people in 13 countries safe and clean water.
The Gala brought together some of the most influential celebrities and individuals who are working towards ending the world’s water crisis. The fundraising event was hosted by The Path and Mission Impossible actress, Michelle Monaghan, and educated, engaged and connected guests to the people and communities that the Thirst Project is helping. Throughout the night, multiple donation options were offered to guests including a live and silent auction, text-to-give technology and other opportunities. Celebrity presenters and special guests such as Dacre Montgomery, Kenny Ortega, and President of Paramount Pictures, Wyck Godfrey, took the stage to show their support. Talented young artists, VINCINT and Tegan Marie, blew the audience away with each of their live performances.
One young celebrity is just as inspiring as he is talented. Descendants star, Cameron Boyce, was awarded with the Pioneering Spirit Award, the highest honor given by the organization. Boyce is an active advocate of the Thirst Project, using his social media platforms to spread awareness and raise money for the organization’s missions. For his birthday last year, Boyce asked his fans to donate to the Thirst Project. He raised $27,000 to go towards building wells in impoverished communities. Now that is an unbeatable birthday present!
New this year to the gala was a built out IRL experience which included a well and live walk through journey a young boy would take to find water in his country. It portrayed the devastating consequences when the boy could not find clean water.
The event raised $250,000 in just one night, showing how love, support, and advocating for a brighter future can go a long way.
It only takes $25 to give one person clean water for LIFE. The Thirst Project donates 100 percent of all public donations towards well projects and is showing the world that every human being deserves clean, safe, drinking water. To join the fight, visit http://www.thirstproject.org/ to learn more.
