Water 1st • Beer 2nd – Portland100 people attend inaugural Portland eventMore than 100 guests gathered for Portland’s inaugural Water 1st – Beer 2nd Event at BridgePort Brewing Company, where they enjoyed music, food, and BridgePort brew in support of the work of Water 1st International. Event attendees raised enough to support a community water project in the Sundarbans of India, bringing a sustainable safe water system, latrines, and hygiene education to 400 people.
In keeping with the theme of the event, guests were given a list of beer and water facts (such as "$50, the equivalent of a keg of cheap beer provides training to the caretakers who maintain the water systems in Ethiopia") to demonstrate how their funds are being put to work in Water 1st projects. Before the formal program, guests were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of BridgePort brewery, an eco-friendly operation. Next, Portland resident, Water 1st board member, and event committee chair Seshu Vaddey welcomed everyone to the event. Guests enjoyed a film featuring updates from Water 1st projects. Marla Smith-Nilson, Executive Director of Water 1st, also spoke of her recent travels to Water 1st projects and thanked Water 1st donors for their continued support of projects that are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people. "All the places where we are working are full of hope, full of energy. The people may be poor, but they want a better life and they are eager to work hard for it. They face obstacles that one person alone cannot overcome. However, when entire communities are brought together, these problems can be solved and people can live healthier and more productive lives. The same can be said of our efforts here, we have come together and pledged our support to do something about this enormous problem.” Special Thanks Water 1st gratefully recognizes GSI Water Solutions, Inc. for their generous sponsorship of this event. We would also like to bring special attention to our event volunteers and guests for their commitment to the work of Water 1st and helping the world’s poor meet their most basic need for safe water. Event CommitteeSpecial thanks to the Water 1st–Beer 2nd committee – Seshu Vaddey, Marcelle Carturia, Kathleen MacDonald, Jana Hudgins, Bruce and Debra Duffe, Erin Carroll, Paul and Andres Cedfeldt, bob and Terry Buchholz, Audrey Lingley, Jackie Shannon and Bryan Black, Rachael and Justin Kurrynny, Kris Nelson, and Doug Swanson and Sarah Espenel. Related Links:
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