Charity: Water, The Gift That Keeps On Giving
“‘Tis the season to give and let live,” seems to be the mantra we chant this time of year. But what happens to those less fortunate, during the rest of the year, when we become a little more preoccupied with our own needs?
Scott Harrison, founder and ceo of charity: water, ensures that the basic needs of others in developing countries, are not overlooked, specifically when it comes to providing clean and safe drinking water.
Bells of the Ball: Scott Harrison and his wife Victoria Harrison, on the “yellow” carpet.
The 7th annual Charity Ball Benefiting Charity: Water, took place at the 69th Regiment Armory on December 10, 2012 in New York City.
Over 1,000 guests attended the gala fundraiser, including host committee members and honorary chairs Sophia Bush, Jessica Stroup, Fern Mallis, John Slattery, David Blaine, Alizee Guinochet, Chelsea Leyland, Jessica Lowndes, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Birch, Dennis Crowley, Nanette Lepore, Gelila Bekele,David Schwimmer and wife Zoe Buckman. Many other notable philanthropists were also seen walking the Waterwalk.
Heather Lang & Blake Mycoskie
Jessica Stroup
Jessica Lowndes
Jessica Jackley & Reza Aslan
Scott Harrison & Gelila Bekele
Devorah Rose
John Slattery & Talia Balsam
Michael & Xochi Birch
J.J. O’Brien
Giovanna Battaglia
Rod Keenan, Cameron Silver
Emma Snowdon-Jones
Anne V
The arena-like set up, allowed guests to learn about charity: water and its sponsor’s global initiatives, through the gigantic video screens and photos, interactive installations and a life-size drilling rig exhibition like the ones used by event sponsor Fraste.
Comedian, Seth Meyers hosted the gala where, during a live auction, they reached their goal to raise $800,000, which alone will bring clean water to 24,000 people in Kenya, and added to the total of more than $3.1 million raised.
This year, charity: water introduced RFID technology to the gala, partnering with Intellitix. Every guest received a personalized wristband, so they could easily check-in and connect to their social networks throughout the night.
charity: water, is a non-profit organization, where 100% of all public donations, are used to directly fund water projects. Event sponsor, Karma Koin was on site, assisting to raise awareness for charity: water’s September Campaign for Rwanda, a campaign which, they pledged to raise $250,000.
W Hotels and TOMS supported the charity: water Waterwalk. A signature element of the charity: ball gala, the Waterwalk is an interactive exhibition where guests take off their shoes and carry 40-pound yellow Jerry cans a fraction of the distance in which millions of women and children in developing countries must walk in order to collect water.
Throughout the evening, a total of $500,000 was raised for the Waterwalk which will provide 19,400 people in India with access to clean drinking water.
Since 2010, charity: water and TOMS have partnered together, for two rounds of limited-edition shoes.
Scott Harrison with Blake Mycoskie, Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, and the person behind the idea of One for One, which has turned into a global movement.
Carlos Becil, Vice President, North America Brand Management, W Hotels Worldwide with Scott Harrison
During his presentation, Harrison thanked W Hotels for their support and announced their new, multi-layered partnership with charity: water. As part of the multi-layered partnership, W Hotels and charity: water will take Waterwalk exhibitions to various cities around the country, bringing the story of charity: water and the need for clean water around the world to new W communities. To be hosted at W Hotels throughout 2013, W guests and locals will be able to get involved in unique ways to support charity: water’s efforts in 20 developing countries around the world. For more information on the W brand’s partnership with charity: water, check out http://bit.ly/W-CW.
Event and alcohol sponsors included Ultimat Vodka, Heineken, and One Hope.
To see more pictures from the ball, visit: http://www.charitywater.org/charityball/12/
For more information and updates on how to get involved with charity: water, learn how you can donate your birthday to bring clean water to people in need, or join the meetup group; follow the organization on twitter and facebook.
Coverage by Event Correspondent Danielle Marshall
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