DENVER, CO, Dec. 4, 2009 -- For the second year in a row, donors of Water For People partnered with philanthropists Stephen and Sandy Rosenthal with the goal to raise $1 million, and once again surpassed the benchmark in support of improved sanitation, safe drinking water solutions, and hygiene education in developing countries.
"We are thrilled and grateful beyond words for the amazing generosity shown by our supporters. The Rosenthal family has given us a rare opportunity to rally the Water For People community and the results will have a tremendous impact on the communities we serve. Thank you to everyone who participated and once again showed the world what we can accomplish together," said Katie Scolari Borden, Water For People director of Resource Development.
For the last two years, the Rosenthal Family has contributed $500,000 with the goal of leveraging their gift. The family challenged Water For People donors to match their gift dollar for dollar and raise $1 million in support of Water For People's programs around the world. This year, over 823 donors responded to the challenge and donated more than $798,000, totaling $1,298,735 within two months' time.
The Rosenthals became interested in supporting Water For People because of its proven success, ability to expand services, and innovative approach.
"Water For People's monitoring and evaluation results were very compelling. The tangible proof of sustainability made me feel like my money and time would be well invested," Stephen Rosenthal said. He saw "the wisdom of the model, particularly when compared to others."
Mr. Rosenthal has visited Water For People programs in Malawi and Rwanda and has seen firsthand the impact of this campaign. In fact, funding from last year's challenge was instrumental in helping Water For People's expansion efforts.
The Rosenthals' $500,000 gift is the largest donation ever pledged to Water For People by a family. The organization is deeply grateful to both the Rosenthals and the organization's donors who stepped up to the challenge and surpassed the million-dollar mark once again. For more information on how you can support Water For People and its programs, please visit http://www.waterforpeople.org.
About Water For People
Founded in 1991, Water For People is a Denver-based private, nonprofit international humanitarian organization that supports the development of sustainable safe drinking water resources and improved sanitation facilities in developing countries. The nongovernmental organization is distinguished by its focus on local private sector development, interorganization collaboration, social entrepreneurship, and the engagement of stakeholders, which combine together to achieve sustainability. The organization has active water, sanitation, and hygiene education programs in 10 countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Water For People is a charity of choice of the American water and wastewater community. For more information, visit www.waterforpeople.org.
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