Dear friends, We are proud to announce a new exciting partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue this Mother's Day.
The campaign launched while our team was in Ethiopia, and already has raised more than $120,000 to fund freshwater wells in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and Central America. More than 100 Saks Fifth Avenue stores worldwide are carrying $5 charity: water awareness bands, and $20 charity: water Mother's Day e-cards are available on Saks.com. Customers and clients have also been sponsoring $5,000 wells. 100% of all proceeds directly fund clean water project costs.
As a small organization, we've been humbled as thousands of Saks employees nationwide have championed our cause, and come up with creative ways to raise awareness and then funds for wells. Some have featured water installations in their store windows, other employees have "sold" clean glasses of water to customers. Others have rallied to collect and sell their personal used jewelry to raise money. The $120,000 raised in only 2 weeks can give 6,000 people clean water for 20 years. Here’s how you can help:

If you live near a Saks Fifth Avenue store, please stop in and support the campaign by buying a $5 charity: water band. (store locations at saks.com) or buy online here > We have 8 great new e-cards to send your mother this year, and a new twist. After receiving your $20 e-card, your mother will be able to choose where the money goes. For only $5,000, you can provide a community in the developing world with clean water for 20 years. Contact me here: scott@charitywater.org

SAVE THE DATE: June 10th If you live in New York City or can travel to join us, we'll hold our summer fundraiser on the 10th floor of the Saks Fifth Avenue New York Store this year.  We’ll create a multimedia exhibition, and host a special evening for 1,000 people. 100% of the $100 ticket price will directly fund freshwater well projects. Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact us at saksevent@charitywater.org / tickets go on sale Monday, May 12.

THEORY retail update - $51,000 raised for water. In March, retailer theory (theory.com) chose charity: water as their newest Icon Project.  They installed charity: water photographs in 8 stores and designed a line of water clothing, underwriting the cost of development and materials allowing 100% of proceeds to fund wells in Ethiopia.  To date, they have sold more than $51,000 of product. That money will build 12 wells in Ethiopia and provide more than 5,000 people there with clean and safe drinking water. The Theory Paris store is the latest to take the exhibition and clothes. There will be a charity: water fundraising event in Paris on May 17th. More info at charitywater.org/theory More news of completed projects in Ethiopia coming later this week. Thanks for your continued enthusiasm and support of our work! - Scott Harrison