WEXFORD, PA (Nov. 19, 2020) — While Americans again clamor for toilet paper and antibacterial wipes, villagers in remote portions of East Africa still lack the most basic life-sustaining resource — water.
Pittsburgh nonprofit Christian East African & Equatorial Development Trust (CEED) is determined to continue raising funds to bring water directly to the most needy — despite gala cancelations, lockdowns and crippling upheaval of traditional fundraising.
Catching one of the last available flights home from Africa in March as U.S. lockdowns first began, participants in CEED’s last trip to drill water wells resolved to continue work despite the pandemic.
“Though our fundraising, like most things, has taken on a new shape this year, we had to keep pushing,” said Graham Hodgetts, CEED board president. “Communities without potable water are depending on us and we believe CEED’s work can provide a bright spot in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis for our supporters and beneficiaries alike.”
Around 400 supporters of CEED’s efforts are invited to attend Encore — its second annual gala from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 via YouTube. The virtual event will feature updates on CEED’s progress in drilling wells, testimonies and the presentation of the organization’s new Champion’s Cup Award to a person who has exhibited the hallmarks of a true champion for providing clean water for East African families. Attendees will be encouraged to take CEED’s “Champion’s Cup Challenge” to fund wells in the 12 neediest villages in East Africa and help CEED secure $50,000 in matching funds pledged by a number of donors.
To view the gala program later, go to the CEED Trust YouTube Channel or click on this link: www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7uJQT0OUjp0-6-H0-T0TQ
CEED has achieved great success since its founding in 1999 by a group of Pittsburghers who returned from a vision trip to Uganda determined to make a lasting impact. In addition to developing 46 acres into a self-sustaining coffee farm and drilling or rehabbing more than 500 wells, CEED continues to drill new boreholes in “I Thirst” locations identified throughout East Africa through its Water Solutions for Africa initiative.
About CEED
CEED is a nonprofit dedicated to developing sustainable income-generating projects to help East-Africans build their communities. CEED locates and cultivates water sources and agricultural ventures so those who are hungry, thirsty and barely subsisting can, with hard work, prosper today and have hope for the future. Combining American financial resources with the natural resources of East Africa, CEED strives to improve the physical, spiritual and economic health of the communities it serves.
###
Contact:
Jill Whitecap Jennifer Davis
CEED Ideality Communications
412-889-6642 412-527-8642
jill@ceed-trust.org Jen@IdealityCommunications.com