A long-overdue update...

Hi all!

I've been very negligent about updating this blog, but I promise that I've not neglected the water project as a whole. Here's a quick run-down on what we've been up to since the last post..

-The Yassou Benedict concert was a success! Quite a few people showed up and we made over $450. Immense thanks to Judy Grunberg and the team at PS-21 for all of their help and support, and for everyone who showed up. Also, the (stunning) band has since both headed west and released an excellent music video. Check it out! Also, a HUGE thanks to the Hudson Rotary Club for the donation that made it all happen.

-I gave presentations to the participants of the Philmont Library's Summer Reading Program back in July. It was such fun! Both the younger and older groups provided great discussion and were engaged and curious. We talked about water issues in Malawi, the differences between life here and life in Africa, and what we can do to help. Thanks, Philmont Library, for making that happen!

-The fantastic Ghent Rotary Club donated $200 to the Malawi Water Project after watching my presentation, which was a very lovely surprise. They're an active and receptive group and it was a joy to speak to them.

-I am headed to the local elementary school tomorrow to speak with a third and fourth grade class about Malawi and water issues. I'm excited and can't wait to talk with the kids.

There have been some very exciting developments in the grander scheme of things too. First, we're well on our way to nonprofit certification!

Second, go ahead and like the Water First Facebook page. :)

Third, Freshwater Project Malawi recently supplied the Ndongo Birthing Center with clean water for the first time! The center serves 18 communities and a total population of 18,000. SO AWESOME. And believe it or not, this little project actually had something to do with it. The wife of the Malawian ambassador saw a link online to one of the webpages I'd created for an event and got in touch with Amy, and things started happening. YAY...

I'm currently trying to configure different ways to get the word out. Expect updates pretty soon about a winter concert, local screenings, and more school visitations.

I hope you are all well! As usual, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at hannahbloom94@yahoo.com. I'd love to hear!

Best,

Hannah