Lifewater’s Annual BBQ Raises Funds for Clean Water and Sanitation in Ethiopia

Lifewater’s annual BBQ was a big success. On a beautiful October evening, as the sun set over 370 people, we were reminded how much you care about this important work. Thanks to your incredible generosity, clean water and sanitation programs have been fully funded for five schools in Ethiopia.

Give now and join in the effort to support clean water and sanitation.

In the Bensa District of Ethiopia, zero of the 16 schools surveyed had clean water and sanitation. Without clean water, kids miss out on school because they are either sick or busy fetching clean water. Without sanitation, girls are especially at risk of dropping out when they reach adolescence. Lack of water and sanitation is a big reason for the fact that three out of four girls in Sub-Saharan Africa will not finish primary school.

At the BBQ hosted by our presenting sponsor Barrelhouse Brewing Co., guests enjoyed great local food from Ribline, wine and beer donated from California’s Central Coast, and soul-happy music from the Shawn Clark Family Band. Plus, they were treated to a first-person experience in an Ethiopian school room with our virtual reality/360 video headset. They also bid on over 58 silent auction items and 10 items at the live(ly) auction, including a trip for two to see Lifewater’s work in Africa.

Guests opened their hearts for kids in need and donated over $165,000, which fully funds safe water, dignified latrine blocks, and student-led WASH Clubs in five schools. By God’s grace, thousands of children in Ethiopia will get a chance to stay in school and enjoy newfound health and dignity because of the generosity of our neighbors.

“Lifewater is so grateful for the generosity of its sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made this a truly beautiful night and a tremendous success,” says Lifewater VP of Philanthropy, Christine Zurbach. “Your generosity will bring safe water and bathrooms to thousands of children in Ethiopia.”

Special thanks to our sponsors who helped make the event happen:

• BarrelHouse Brewing Company
• SCI Specialty Construction
• Ramco Enterprises
• Cambria Homes & Land
• Cannon Corp.
• Hicks Pension Services
• Digital West
• Community West Bank
• Sculpterra Winery
• Pomar Junction Vineyard
• Give Fitness Health Club
• Rib Line BBQ & Grill
  
• Water For Good 

Next year’s event, which will be the third annual Lifewater BBQ, is already scheduled for Sunday, September 30^th, 2018. It will be held at Barrelhouse Brewery & Beer Gardens in Paso Robles. This year’s event sold out, so we encourage you to save the date. See you next year!