Money raised by Laguna Beach’s Soroptimist International and its partner, Newport Beach’s Woman of the Wells, have built four wells in India.
The first of eight wells planned were installed in the villages of Dukari Pada, Gultaare and Pepal Gaon, located in State of Maharashtra, India.
The previous water sources for these tribal villages were dirty ponds, or shallow open wells, most of which would dry up during the summer season. The new deeper wells will provide clean, safe drinking water all year round.
Like so many who do fundraising, Sandy Vetter, really had no idea what she was in for. “I just knew that I wanted to provide a source for clean drinking water in India after I came back from an eye-opening tour.”
Vetter’s home and garage and offsite storage became the launching pad for receiving, organizing, tagging, and pricing of literally thousands of items for the group’s “Hidden Treasure” sale.
“I would not have offered if I really knew what was involved. But the outcome was worth it,” she said, raising $14,400, enough to fund eight of the $1,800 wells. “The notice that the four have already been installed brought tears of joy.”
For more information of the organizations visit www.silagunabeach.org.
