The Winter Waterland Gala is Well Aware's largest event of the year, bringing together our dedicated supporters from Austin and beyond for a night of clean water impact and connection. This year's gala will be an extra special occasion as we gather in person for the first time in two years -- at the historic Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin -- recognizing the challenges we’ve overcome together and the incredible feats we’ve accomplished for this mission despite the pandemic. Join us for a celebratory night!
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6 pm | VIP Meet & Greet Cocktail Hour
with Founder, Sarah Evans, and Project Manager, Mike Mutuku, for VIP ticket holders
6:30 pm | General Admission & Welcome Cocktails
for Tier Two and Tier Three ticket holders
7:30 pm | Live Program, Featuring:
Seated three-course dinner
Tableside wine service
Exciting live and silent auctions
Fifth Annual Global Impact Awards
Inspiring impact stories from the field
'Fund A Clean Water Need'
Special guests
Live music by Jon Muq, Tomar Williams & Courtney Santana
... and more!
10 pm | Event Ends
Head to the hotel bar for an unofficial after-party to continue the festivities.
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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HEALTHY & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
We are committed to the health and safety of all of our guests. Because of this, a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result (obtained within 3 days of the event) OR proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend the gala.
These policies are subject to change, in accordance with state and local guidelines and changing circumstances.
REGISTERING YOUR GUESTS
If you purchased a table or multiple tickets, make sure to enter your guests' names and contact information so they can receive their own unique link to bid and donate. To do this, click on the link in your confirmation email, and under "Details" click on "Edit Guest Information" and enter their names.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Event Parking at The Driskill: $25
Overnight parking at The Driskill: $49
Street parking is also available but may be limited. If you plan to drink, please utilize a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft.
BIDDING ON THE AUCTIONS
Bidding for the silent auction will be done entirely online, and is now available! If you attend the event in person, you’ll be able to see the different packages set up at The Driskill and bid via your mobile device. Previews for the live auction packages are now available online, too, and will be available for bidding during the live program.
DONATING
You can donate online ahead of the event, or participate in the live "Fund A Clean Water Need" portion of the event. Every $15 you give will provide lasting clean water to 1 person. You can see all our impact levels here or select your own donation amount.
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Need support? Email info@wellawareworld.org for assistance.
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275,000 Lives Changed...and Counting
Over the last 12 years, with your support, we’ve been able to transform the lives of more than 275,000 people across 80+ water projects in East Africa. All while maintaining a 100% project success rate, compared with the industry average of 40%.
But, there are still many more communities and people in need of clean water.
With your help, we will raise $250,000 through the gala -- enough to scale our water projects in 2022 and reach 16,000 more people with lasting clean water.
Together, we can ensure our partner communities in East Africa can not only survive, but THRIVE!
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Showcase your brand and join the impact. We have several sponsorship packages to choose from.
WATER IS LIFE | PRESENTING SPONSOR
WATER IS HEALTH | SUPPORTING SPONSOR
WATER IS EDUCATION SPONSOR
WATER IS EQUALITY SPONSOR
Download the full details here & become a sponsor today!
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From Amy Poehler to Dr. Auma Obama, we've had the incredible honor of recognizing some inspiring individuals through the Well Aware Impact Awards -- presented annually at the gala. This year, we're excited to recognize three outstanding people who are truly changing the world for the better.
SALVA DUT | Global Impact Award
Salva was born in rural South Sudan and, at 11 years old, the Sudanese Civil War reached his village and separated Salva from his family. He joined thousands of boys, famously known as the "Lost Boys," searching for refuge. He eventually made it to the U.S., where he launched a clean water nonprofit to support his home country. His story is told in A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.
KAHLIL MCKENZIE | Ambassador of the Year
Kahlil is a football player in his fourth NFL season, now playing for the Baltimore Ravens. He joined the Well Aware community last year and has been a tremendous advocate for our work since -- spreading awareness through his platform, recruiting new supporters, and raising enough to provide over 1,500 people with clean water.
TERRY KOWALICKI | Shower Striker of the Year
Through his company, Spectrum Brands, Terry got involved with Shower Strike two years ago and has since helped recruit his colleagues and amplify awareness of this powerful campaign. This year, he raised an astounding $14,000 for our clean water projects in under a month.
BUY TICKETS & CELEBRATE THEM AT THE GALA!
Exciting music features... the incredible artists Jon Muq and Courtney Santana will be joining us LIVE for special performances at the gala!
ABOUT JON MUQ
As a vocalist, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Jon makes soul-filled pop music that celebrates the magic of human connection, love, and the world’s many wonders. Jon’s music carries listeners on an artful journey through his remarkable life, which began in a small suburban slum in Kampala, Uganda.
ABOUT COURTNEY SANTANA
Courtney Santana has been in the music industry for over 22 years. She has been a featured vocalist and background vocalist on over 15 albums, has opened for national acts like Salt N Pepa, and has been nominated by the Austin Chronicle for best cover band 3 times. She has also performed in some of Austin’s most loved musical performances and has made it to the final producer rounds of NBC’s The Voice twice.
Well Aware is a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Austin, Texas. We fund and implement sustainable clean water systems to drive economic development and empower communities in East Africa. To date, we have transformed more than 270,000+ lives through clean water.
Nearly 60% of water projects in Africa fail. Ours don't. With our technical expertise and community-driven approach, we maintain a 100% success rate - redefining the water aid industry and setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability. Learn more on our website: wellawareworld.org.