Academy Award®-winner Matt Damon and WaterPartners’ Executive Director Gary White held a Fundraising Gala together with the ONEXONE Foundation on October 23 in San Francisco to raise awareness of the drinking water crisis and other critical health issues impacting millions of children around the world.   Celebrity guests included Carlos Santana, David Arquette, and seven-year-old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick. The gala featured storytelling, live and silent auctions, as well as musical performances by Grammy® Award-winner Wyclef Jean, Josh Groban and the world-renowned African Children’s Choir.

“I want people to know that these problems can be solved, that it’s not impossible and it can be solved in our lifetime,” said Damon.  “If we don’t do it, the outlook for the world is extremely bleak, and if we do, it will be truly wonderful as this is about the world that we’re leaving behind for our kids.”

Water-related diseases are the leading cause of death for children under the age of five, and over one billion people in the world lack access to safe drinking water.

“Lack of clean water contributes to disease, poverty and conflict, but the problem is not too big to solve with a partnership of resources and expertise,” said White, executive director and co-founder of WaterPartners. “We are working with similar-minded organizations such as ONEXONE so that eventually everyone in the world will be able to take a safe drink of water.”

About WaterPartners

WaterPartners is a highly respected 20-year-old U.S. non-profit 501 (c) (3) with a mission to provide safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. WaterPartners fills a key role in addressing the water crisis worldwide. WaterPartners has transformed thousands of lives with access to safe water and sanitation in eight countries - Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and the Philippines. WaterPartners’ vision: the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water.  Visit www.water.org for more information.

About ONEXONE

ONEXONE is a unique umbrella organization that partners with talented and dedicated NGOs to implement specific programs that align with its mission statement – the alleviation of suffering of children locally and globally – and important programs targeted toward health, education, self-esteem and dignity.  Through its ongoing campaigns, the ONEXONE foundation is committed to supporting, preserving and improving the lives of children at home and around the world.  Please visit www.onexone.org for more information.

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