Local Water Charity Raises Record-Breaking Funds of $252k+ at Their 9th Annual Film Screening Gala
Local Water Charity Raises Record-Breaking Funds of $252k at Their 9th Annual Film Screening Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Laguna Beach, CA [August 2022] – With My Own Two Hands’ recent 9th Annual Documentary Screening Gala was record-breaking – with over $252k raised that will directly support their mission of empowering communities across East Africa with essential resources and income-generating opportunities to thrive.
The US team of four from 'With My Own Two Hands’ was assisted by a team of 6 event committee members, all local to Southern California and passionate about the water crisis in East Africa. Around one hundred forty guests filled the Port Theater in Corona Del Mar to bid on incredible live auction packages and view the world premiere of their 2022 film, The Women of Kibera.
During cocktail hour, guests participated in funding WMO2H’s upcoming water and agriculture projects through pledge donations. A jug filled to the top with water was used to showcase what many women and children in East Africa have to carry to collect water each day, before receiving a WMO2H clean water solution.
After eating a delicious meal prepared by Orange County-based Jason’s Catered Events, Stan Verrett of ESPN continued the night by celebrating his 9th year hosting this impactful event. He then brought up WMO2H Founder and CEO, Lindsey Pluimer, who reflected on her 2022 journey back to Kenya and the overwhelming strength she witnessed during her time abroad. She explained “On this recent visit, it was abundantly clear that we can’t solve major problems like poverty, gender bias, illiteracy and so forth without starting with access to clean water.”
Lindsey presented WMO2H’s first-ever Water Advocate award to Board of Director and Senior Capital Group Manager, Brian Janssen. The audience was captivated by Brian’s passion for solving the world’s most urgent problems by ensuring every person’s most basic needs are met. Brian shared, “Problems continue to rise in the world, so we need people who are passionate and dedicated to solving these problems in order to make progress. It's been my absolute pleasure to serve for the past 5 years.”
Excitement filled the room as WMO2H auctioned off their Once-In-A-Lifetime Kenya Experience for the first time ever. With limited spots available, this package drew in an adventurous audience that was inspired to see, firsthand, the impact being made in Kenya - through WMO2H program immersions, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sanctuary excursions, and more.
The main event of the evening was the premiere of the organization's newest film, The Women of Kibera. This short documentary gave the audience an inside look into the impact WMO2H’s projects have on communities in Kenya. During the film, Veronica, a loving mother, small-business owner, and member of the Kipawa Group proves just how clean water and determination can shape economic empowerment in her community. Her remarkable story is a testament to the intrinsic power women hold and how access to clean water is vital for women in Kibera to encourage and maintain health, education, and lifelong prosperity.
With over 90,000 lives transformed by their programs so far and over $252,000 raised at their immersive screening gala, With My Own Two Hands proves just how much of an impact we can all make together, with our own two hands.
About With My Own Two Hands
With My Own Two Hands (WMO2H) is a Laguna Beach based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to create a more equitable world through water and agriculture in East Africa (Tax ID: 45-2021595). Founded in 2011, WMO2H has provided 109,949 individuals access to clean water, nutritious food, and socioeconomic opportunities, firmly believing in the importance of these basic necessities for every human. Currently serving 54 communities, WMO2H has implemented 46 clean water projects and 42 regenerative agriculture projects. As a special consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), WMO2H leverages its expertise to make a meaningful impact. Stay updated with the latest news and updates by visiting www.withmyown2hands.org or following @withmyown2hands on Facebook and Instagram.
