All I Want for Christmas is Water

To some, Scott Harrison led an enviable life filled with A-list parties, exclusive access to New York nightlife and a rolodex filled with the city’s most beautiful people.

But, the former party promoter and celebrity event planner was left wanting more. In 2004, Harrison left behind his indulgent lifestyle and traveled to Africa to help the most impoverished people on Earth. What resulted was the creation of charity: water.

It is estimated that the number of people who live without access to clean water is over 1 billion. Harrison’s organization raises funds to build freshwater wells in Africa and increases awareness of the global water crisis.

Charity: water has three donation packages that make giving back this holiday season simple and easy:

1 bottle of water for $20 = clean water for one person in Africa

24 bottles or 1 case for $480 = funds towards construction of freshwater wells

1 $5000 donation = construction or rehabilitation of one freshwater well

Since the cost of the bottled water is underwritten by sponsors, 100% of each donation is used for the charity: water program which includes satellite imagery and photo documentation of the completed wells through Google Earth.

And, to put his former party planning skills and 15,000 member database to good use, Harrison and his team are organizing the 2nd annual charity: ball on Monday, December 17th at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street). Hosted by Adrien Grenier (of Entourage fame) and model Jessica Stam, the event features a special musical performance by Cat Power and the Dirty Delta Blues as well as several multimedia exhibits, a photo installation and a silent auction. It promises to leave guests with a message of hope—that every person is capable of making a difference.

When we asked Harrison what he wanted for Christmas this year, he answered 50 freshwater wells. To help Harrison reach his holiday fundraising goal of $500,000 which will give 25,000 people clean water, we hope you will buy bottles of charity: water, tickets to charity: ball or just make a donation.