What Water team, pictured with Eudoxie Bridges, Founder of Unspoken Angels, and artists Barthélémy Toguo and Sumo;
Credit: What Water asbl
Luxembourg-based non-profit organisation What Water has reported that an event it co-hosted in the United States recently raised money for drinking water access initiatives.
The Waves for Change Charity Gala, hosted by What Water and Unspoken Angels, took place at the Saint Regis Hotel in Atlanta on 21 September 2024, bringing together 180 guests including entrepreneurs, athletes and entertainment stars to support access to clean water in Africa, including Cameroon and Gabon. With $300,000 raised, the event met its fundraising goals and will allow the organisations to further their impact on the ground.
The gala featured artwork by eight artists: Barthélémy Toguo, UNESCO Artist for Peace and What Water Patron, and Luxembourg's Sumo, both of whom attended the event; Ajarb Bernard Ategwa; Moustapha Baidi Oumarou; Jean-David Nkot; Nigerian-British artist Lanre Olagoke, recently decorated by King Charles III; Luxembourg artist Eric Mangen; and Axelle Salvage. The event saw five artworks sold, including a piece by Barthélémy Toguo and one by Sumo, the latter of which fetched $50,000 at auction.
Guests also had the opportunity to bid on luxury experiences to support the cause. Among others, exclusive travel packages to Africa helped promote these nations as tourist destinations. Film producer Will Packer was among the auction donors.
After covering event expenses and artist commissions, $200,000 will be directed towards critical water infrastructure projects in Cameroon and Gabon. In Cameroon, the funds will, among other things, enable the launch of a first programme in partnership with the Special Fund for Equipment and Intercommunal Intervention (FEICOM), whose memorandum of understanding was signed between the entity and What Water last August.
Among the notable figures present at this charity evening were former NBA player Joakim Noah, Nigerian musician Peter Okoye, known as "P-Square" and renowned artist and philanthropist Chris Bridges, known as "Ludacris", who also served as Master of Ceremonies for this first edition of the gala in the United States.
Gwennaël Tchoungui, President of What Water, shared her thoughts: "This gala shows the power of coming together across three continents to tackle one of the world's most pressing challenges. Water is not just a necessity; it is a universal human right. This event is a reminder that it is through collective action, resilience, and innovation that we can create lasting change for the most vulnerable and a better future for all."
Axelle Salvage, Luxembourg Director of What Water, commented: "We have not only achieved our fundraising goals, but also strengthened What Water's position as a Luxembourg social initiative. By connecting continents through culture and social entrepreneurship, we have demonstrated the positive impact of our mission. With these funds, we will be able to carry out tangible actions on the ground in Cameroon and Gabon, and I am very excited to begin this work."
"The partnership between What Water and Unspoken Angels reflects our shared commitment to creating positive and lasting change," noted Eudoxie Bridges, Founder of Unspoken Angels.
"Participating in this event for the cause of water as a committed artist is a true honour. I am thrilled that my work sold for a record price to an American celebrity, which highlights not only the value of art, but also the representation of Luxembourg on the international stage," added Luxembourg artist Sumo. "Access to water is essential for life, as it is for painting! Together, we have the power to raise awareness and unite people around this vital cause."
What Water said it was looking forward to expanding its clean water initiatives, fuelled by the generosity and commitment of its donors and partners.
The day after the event, the team travelled to New York for a reception at the Luxembourg House hosted by Luc Decker, Consul General, on the occasion of the visit of Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. This reception offered the young Luxembourg initiative What Water the opportunity to present its various approaches on both the social and cultural levels.
