“Water for Christmas” Makes a Huge Splash!

Del Mar Charity’s “Water for Christmas” Makes a Splash!

1 Billion Thirsty, a local grass roots charity raising awareness and funds to support clean water projects in developing countries, held their annual “Water for Christmas” event at Woody’s in Solana Beach on Wednesday, December 5^th.

More than 100 supporters and guests attended the fundraiser which included a dinner, live music, silent auction and a presentation by Stan Patyrak from Living Water International.  Auction items that were bid on included local artist creations as well as goods and services from businesses in the community.  In all, 1 Billion Thirsty raised over $18,000 in one night, funds that will go directly to clean water projects in Sierra Leone, West Africa which is one of the hardest hit regions in the world.

The Water for Christmas event idea was born out of the founder’s desire to “trade compassion for consumerism” during the holiday season.  Statistics show that the world’s water crisis could be solved completely at a cost of less than $50 billion, which is only 10% of what Americans spend on Christmas each year.  The founders, Jon and Kari Lorenzen, moved by this staggering fact have compiled a passionate group of volunteers that helped make the Water for Christmas event a success.  The team also has been instrumental in raising awareness of the water issue through presentations at some of the schools in Del Mar and the surrounding areas, impacting kids with a message of global compassion with local efforts.

Even though the fundraiser is over for another year, there are still plenty of ways that the community can get involved in helping support the cause.  100% tax-deductible donations can still be made at www.onebillionthirsty.org, and there will be additional events scheduled in 2013.  Stay tuned!

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 Jim and his wife Jo, have lived in Carmel Valley since 1987 and first got into the real estate business in 1992 after a successful career in the construction industry in South Africa.  Kevin Dalzell joined the Dalzell Group Real Estate team in 2002 after playing professional rugby  in Europe (represented the U.S. in two Rugby World Cups) and is now living with his wife, Nina, in Solana Beach.  Ryan Dalzell coordinates the team’s marketing program, and he joined the group in 2004 after working as a flight instructor.  Ryan lives in Carmel Valley with his wife Julie and their 3 children.  Amber Worsham recently joined the team as the new Marketing Manager & Transaction Coordinator.  With over five years of experience in marketing real estate in Coastal North County, Amber provides us with extensive expertise in the print, internet and direct marketing aspects of the business.