First Annual Gala a Huge Success
On an autumn evening filled with many friends, delicious food, and a well-supplied silent auction, Todd Phillips – Last Well founder and president – addressed a ballroom overflowing with Last Well supporters. At this inaugural Last Well Gala, Todd’s speech centered on keeping our perspective filtered through a global worldview for missions and the potential outpouring of our response as Christians to the dire need for water.
During another part of the evening, we also recognized the team of fundraising climbers that we are sending to the 22,840′ Cerro Aconcagua later this year. Ultimately, we gathered to recognize the calling God has blessed The Last Well with to eliminate one need for one nation.
In addition to raising awareness about the need and purpose of the Last Well, the Gala also served as a fundraiser. Because of your faithfulness, we estimate that after your generous donations and the silent auction items that were sold, $42,337 was raised. In addition we had some monthly donors that will add $200 a month to this number. Also, remember that we have a matching grant that will match dollar to dollar what we raise, only increasing the impact we will have on Liberia. This money will help provide clean water to the nation of Liberia as well as help us to share the Gospel with those we serve.
One of the key partnerships for The Last Well is World Hope International. John Aliison, Director of Church Relations, joined us at the Gala and commented, “As I was sitting among the many people who were in attendance at the Gala, I was struck. At times we can be immobilized by thinking: “I am just one person. What difference can I make?” I wonder how many God size ideas are simply left to die there? Such is not the case with The Last Well. One person. One idea: Give safe water to the country of Liberia. One well at a time. I am grateful Todd Phillips thought differently about what God can accomplish through one person mobilizing the hearts of many. It was nothing short of inspiring to see a group of people working to impact the world for Christ.”
Planned primarily by Holly Maggio and Caroline Seymour with help from a handful of other dedicated volunteers, the night was a smashing success. We saw many old friends and new faces, which even included guests from Liberia.
Although the offerings included a silent auction with more than 100 items and a dance floor spinning with the beat-artistry of DJ Lauren Bobby (laurenbobby88@gmail.com), the night found its meaning through the keynote address of Founder Todd Phillips. His speech centered on keeping our perspective filtered through a global worldview for missions and the potential outpouring of our response as Christians to the dire need for water.
This small, but growing group has a foundation it can be proud of. Already, tens of thousands of Liberians have access to clean, reliable drinking water through The Last Well and our partnerships with Living Water International, Samaritan’s Purse, and World Hope International. Through our partnership with World Hope, The Last Well also received a matching grant for all donations.
With the evening waning and our guests starting to head home, we smiled and gave thanks that we could sacrifice together towards this end.
Our additional thanks go to Zach Casper of Ziemcee Designs (zach.casper@gmail.com) and to Kevin Wiley (www.kwiley.com) for providing his photography services at the event. Pictures are available for purchase on http://www.pictage.com/925108.
