July 2011 Archives

As African Well Fund nears the $1 million fundraising mark, we've asked supporters to share their stories of why they give. In this installment, Rob Trigalet, AWF board chairman, shares his reasons why.

How did you first learn about the African Well Fund?
I first heard about the AWF in 2003 when they launched the very first Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fundraiser. I remember being struck by how simple their idea was, that if they could use the reach and the power of the Internet to reach as many people as possible, and if a bunch of those people would just donate $10 or $20, that they could build a well in a village and change the lives of hundreds of people half a world away. I became so inspired by the simplicity of the idea, I remember asking my wife to come look at the computer and we decided right there that we wanted to contribute. I felt that was a way to donate funds and then receive direct feedback about the project I was contributing to. That's something that has stayed true right up to the present, AWF has strived to keep donors updated as much as possible with progress reports and pictures on the projects they donate to.

Why did you want to support AWF?
I think the first time I volunteered in 2005, it was to coordinate other volunteers to pass out AWF fliers at the most of the venues on U2's American tour. That led to eventually meeting some of the board members who eventually invited me to join the board of directors.

What are some specific things you've done to support AWF's mission to fund clean water and sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa?
In 2006, my wife and I traveled to Uganda with a filmmaker and founding board member Angela Martens to visit some of the wells funded by AWF.

Board member Rob Trigalet poses with members of Africare's staff and a nurse in front of a water collection tank at the Kamgamba Medical Center in Uganda. The construction of this project was funded by AWF.

Have you introduced your family, friends or community to AWF? How?
I have spoken to numerous classrooms and civic groups to spread awareness about the water situation in Africa and to let the public know how they can make a difference. For the past two years, I have had the honor to serve as the chairman of the board.

Why do you continue to support AWF?
I continue to support AWF because, at its core, it still remains a simple idea that allows our donors to have as much access as possible to the people and the projects that they donate to. AWF also continues to be an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, which allows all of the money we raise to go directly to the projects on the ground. I continue to see it as a privilege to work with people who inspire me and remind me daily that too whom much is given, much is expected.

If you'd like to tell African Well Fund why you give, please e-mail info@africanwellfund.org. To make a donation to support future African Well Fund projects, please click here.

When members of the African Well Fund's board of directors met with Bono prior to the Vanderbilt Stadium concert, an official U2 photographer was on hand to document the meeting and just sent AWF their picture.

Bono—holding his Build a Well for Bono's Birthday card—poses with Ayesha Marcel, AWF board member, Diana Yoder, AWF board vice chairman, Lara Wineman, AWF board member, Rob Trigalet, AWF board chairman, and Laura Page, AWF board advisor, prior to U2's show at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville.

During the meeting, the board members let Bono know that over $16,000 had been raised during the 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fundraiser to fund clean water and sanitation projects at four girls' schools in Benin. AWF is still in need of $5,500 to fully fund the project that will be implemented by Africare at schools supported by Angelique Kidjo's Batonga Foundation. Please click here to make a donation to this project.

To read more about the meeting between AWF and Bono, click here.

Five current and former African Well Fund board members met with Bono prior to U2's recent show at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville. During the meeting, the board members presented Bono with his handmade birthday card and let him know over $16,000 had been raised during the 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fundraiser.

Bono told the board members, "You are the people who make my birthday every year," when given the card. He expressed his appreciation for the donations and mentioned that the whole band has been inspired by what AWF has accomplished because of the amazing support of its donors and volunteers. "You just show that it can be done," he said.

The mixed-media birthday card presented to Bono was created by AWF Board Member Lara Wineman, and was made of cardboard, punchinella, acrylic paint, sewing pattern tissue paper and found objects. It contained all of the birthday messages left for Bono by donors.

"It was thrilling, of course, to be part of the AWF delegation that presented the card to Bono, but what struck me the most was Bono's comment that the band found AWF's work so inspiring," said Diane Yoder, AWF board vice chairman. "I have always thought of AWF as a way for U2 fans to 'pay it forward'--to turn inspiration into action. I had never considered that this action would in turn inspire the band. I am proud to be part of our organization, and am eternally grateful to all the donors and volunteers who have stood by us through the years."

Prior to the meeting, the board members passed out AWF water bottles filled with cold water to people waiting in the Nashville GA line and met with supporters.

Funds raised during this year's Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fundraiser will benefit clean water and sanitation projects that will be implemented by AWF partner Africare at four girls' schools in Benin supported by Angelique Kidjo's Batonga Foundation. AWF is still in need of $5,500 to fully fund this project. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.

AWF water bottles filled with cold water were passed out to people waiting in the GA line prior to the Nashville show.

Representing AWF in Nashville were Ayesha Marcel, board member, Diana Yoder, board vice chairman, Rob Trigalet, board chairman, Laura Page, board advisor, and Lara Wineman, board member.

Wineman presented Bono with the card she created for his birthday.

Wineman showed Bono the messages and well share in the card, and let him know over $16,000 was raised in honor of his birthday.

The front cover of the card Wineman created for Bono's birthday.

A view of the front of the card and donor messages it contains.

In addition to featuring birthday messages left by donors, the birthday card also explained how much money was raised during the 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday and the project that money will help fund.

The back cover of the card Wineman created.