RIDGEWOOD, NJ, Nov. 27, 2013 -- The Water for People Committee of the American Water Works Association New Jersey (AWWA NJ) Section has raised over $40,000 with two recent events to help provide clean drinking water to developing countries.
The first event was held in September, when AWWA NJ held a wine pairing at Laurita Winery in New Egypt, N.J. The night consisted of a cocktail hour, a four-course dinner and a silent auction. Over 200 attendees bid on a wide variety of items including sports memorabilia, autographed items, wine, restaurant gift certificates, and golf foursomes. All auction proceeds were donated to Water for People, an international nonprofit development organization committed to long-term, sustainable solutions that increase access to safe drinking water in impoverished communities.
"The 'Turning Water into Wine' event is a very important night," said AWWA NJ Chair Dennis Ciemniecki. "The money raised helps communities in meeting their developmental challenges. I would like to recognize everyone for their support, especially the passionate New Jersey volunteers who work throughout the year, sharing the inspiration that is Water for People."
In addition to the auction and dinner, attendees also had the opportunity to hear Joe Goodwill, Water for People volunteer speak. Goodwill, involved in the organization since 2008, has completed three World Water Corps trips where he monitored and assessed audits of existing water and sanitation points. He also led a special project to assess the sustainability of arsenic removal filters. Goodwill is currently a Ph.D candidate at the University of Massachusetts.
The second event was held on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013, where seven team members ran 26.2 miles and all five boroughs of New York City as part of the ING NYC Marathon. Three of the team members were volunteers; others were avid runners who wanted to run the marathon for a charity cause. Team members came from all over the world and the country; Philippines, Canada, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Colorado were represented as part of the team. Team members used Crowdrise to raise and meet minimum fundraising goals and in the process helped to spread their own message of why they chose to run for Water for People.
Team members trained for and fundraised for over sixteen weeks while preparing for the marathon. It was a cold and windy day, but all team members ran well and were wearing a running shirt with the following message: "Imagine if you didn't have water right now...worldwide, 783 million people don't." In total, over $11,000 will be donated to Water for People as a result of the team members fundraising efforts.
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