On Saturday, October 18, at the Washington State Convention Center, more than 600 guests gathered for a silent auction and benefit dinner to support the work of Water 1st International’s projects in four of the world’s poorest countries. $489,000 was raised to benefit people in need of clean water in Bangladesh, Honduras, Ethiopia, and India.

Event Co-Chairs Jon Magnusson, of Magnusson Klemencic Associates, and Donna Larson, Water 1st Advisory Council member, welcomed guests and thanked attendees for their support.

As guests enjoyed a dinner reception, silent auction, and live music, Jon and Donna also announced the winner of the Hawaiian Getaway raffle. Congratulations and Aloha to Bob Seidensticker!

A film featuring our beneficiaries and the work of Water 1st was shown, and Marla shared stories from Water 1st’s recent travels to completed projects, projects in construction, and communities in need of support. She shared stories of project beneficiaries, like Ganamee, a 12-year-old in Ethiopia who now has time to go to school because she is not carrying water, and dreams of becoming the Minister of Agriculture when she grows up. “When a dream of a water project is realized, people start to see that other dreams they have are also within their reach. Ganamee could really become the minister of agriculture, the president of Ethiopia, or the Secretary General of the UN. I believe it’s all possible for her now.”

She also shared the story of Dona Hermina, a Guatemalan mother of 13, who lost 7 of her children to diarrheal disease caused by contaminated water supplies. Marla said, “At the time, I had never met someone whose child had died, and I asked her how she was coping. Her response: ‘I’ve had my soul torn out.’ “

Marla concluded, “I know these are uncertain times, but, when it comes down to it, none of us here tonight are praying that our children won’t die this year from diarrhea. There is no doubt in my mind that the acts of sympathy and generosity demonstrated when we come together here each year have far-reaching results, well beyond the health impacts that will be realized immediately in our beneficiaries communities. By being here, I feel we are sending a message to the world that we refuse to accept that poverty is an unavoidable part of the human condition. “

Master of Ceremonies and staff member Kirk Anderson led the call for funding after the film. “As you consider what amount to contribute, remember that $70 provides safe water, sanitation and hygiene education for one person for life. A gift of $500 provides these basic human needs to a household of seven.” Donations $500 and higher were matched, thanks to a few Water 1st supporters who generously created a $150,000 matching fund. Kirk said, “We promise to put whatever you have entrusted to Water 1st to good use. We consider it our job to work effectively and efficiently on your behalf toward the goal of ending the global water crisis.”

For the program’s conclusion, guests opened their hearts and checkbooks and then awaited Jon Magnusson and Donna Larson’s grateful announcement: $464,000 had just been raised—funds that will go a long way in the year ahead to save and improve lives in India, Bangladesh, Honduras, and Ethiopia. Jon, calculator in hand, quickly translated the amount of funds raised at the event into people who would benefit: $464,000 will bring safe water to 6,628 people for a lifetime. (The grand total has since risen to $489, 000).

A Grateful Thank You

We are grateful to our Corporate Sponsors, Table Sponsors, Table Captains, volunteers and guests for their support and for helping people in need of safe water and latrines.

Special thanks to our 2008 Event Sponsors:

Corporate donors – we are very grateful for the direct financial contributions of:

In–Kind Sponsors

  • Hidden Valley Farms (soaps on your table)
  • Paul Kreemer
  • Mango Imports/Kanchan Kaye
  • Metropolitan Market
  • Precept Brands/Waterbrook Winery
  • Sawtooth Winery
  • Security Press

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