According to the World Health Organization, “No other humanitarian intervention produces a more dramatic effect on life than access to safe water and sanitation.” To that end, Wells Bring Hope, the Los Angeles based charity dedicated to saving lives with safe water in West Africa, and investment banker and philanthropist Ken Kilroy are hosting a fundraiser, “A Journey to Niger, West Africa” at the Lladro Gallery, 408 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, on Thursday October 27 at 6pm.
Ken is the father of a remarkable 14-year-old girl, Kevin Kilroy who was inspired by Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti’s book Water is Key that focuses on the issue of women, water, and wells in West Africa. Gil partnered with Wells Bring Hope in 2009 and as a Board Member, he is actively involved in fundraising and creating awareness for this cause.
Kevin Kilroy read about and saw photos of rural villagers who did not have safe water: the terrible health issues, the unnecessary deaths, and the absence of hope. But she also saw what happens to a village when a borehole well is drilled and brings the village clean, safe water: the general health of the villagers dramatically improves, women often become successful small entrepreneurs through micro credit loans that Wells Bring Hope gives them, and girls go to school, sometimes for the first time in the history of the village.
Kevin gave a four-minute PowerPoint presentation to her church and in five masses raised enough for two wells, $11,200. She then went on to mobilize her school, and friends of her family to raise more money. Now at Marymount High School, she is continuing her fundraising efforts to drill wells. In April, her father and older brother went to Niger and took many moving photos and video that will be on display at the event. For more information on the trip please go here.
“A Journey to Niger, West Africa” will feature the Kilroys’ photos and video, introductions by Gil and Kevin, cocktails, hors d‘oeuvres and complimentary valet parking. The event is underwritten by Valgard Capital Partners, LLC. RSVPs should be given by October 15th to Carol on 310-772-7771 ext. 101 or carol@valgardcapital.com.
Those that are unable to attend but would like to make a tax deductible contribution to Wells Bring Hope, should go to www.wellsbringhope.org or mail a check payable to: Wells Bring Hope, 16563 Park Lane Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90049.