African Well Fund - Bono's Birthday Well Page 1

The Birthday Card

May 10, 2003

Dear Bono,
A year ago this month, you made a historic trek to Africa with Paul O’Neill. This journey of the big-hearted rock star and the tough-talking politician attracted quite a bit of media coverage.

Among the highlights, was your visit to a village, in Koloko-Yobo, Uganda, where money freed up by debt relief had enabled a new well to be built. The impact of the new well on the villagers’ lives was amazing, but what really turned our heads was finding out that the cost of one of these wells was only $1,000 – sometimes even less. To an African village, this was an inconceivable amount of money to raise. To a group of U2 fans, who are able afford to go to concerts and buy the t-shirts, it was more than possible. Now that we were informed, we felt compelled to act and we began work on what would become the African Well Fund. The members of the African Well Fund began a partnership with Africare to raise funds to build more wells in Africa.

Since you were our source of inspiration, we thought we should do something special for you. We set the goal of raising enough money to fund a well in honor of your birthday. During the month of April, we appealed to U2 fans all over the world to help us. Well, Bono, it turns out you get more than a well – you get a good handful of them! The total received, $10,253.18, was beyond anyone’s expectations. Africare reported receiving donations from all over the world – even countries from which they had never received donations before. U2 fans are as diverse as they are numerous, and generous as well! We are proud to count ourselves in their number.
Through your music, you have provided so much joy in our lives. Through your activism you’ve inspired us to share our blessings with others.

For these things we can never pay you back; but we can pay you forward. You have always said that actions speak louder than words. We hope this gift says more than we could ever express in words.

Enclosed you will find a card signed by many of those who, in your honor, donated funds for these wells. Each one expresses, in their own special way, how dear you are to them. We do hope you like your present, Bono. On behalf of your admirers from every corner of the Earth, we wish you a very happy birthday.

Admirably,
The African Well Fund

Happy Birthday, Bono!
I would like to thank you. I’m working in a ngo since 2001 and I probably haven’t done that choice if I didn't know your untiring work and your beautiful obstinacy in changing our world.
Thank you for your work, thank you for your voice, thank you for singing in the best rock band of the world.
A kiss
Anastasia

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A Present to Bono
Stay as beautiful as you are. Remain balanced, tactful and strong. Don't let them hurt you. The world needs your blind faith, your passion, your poetry your inspiration. There are not enough of you here.
Bono, you are the absolute artiste of connection.
God Bless You Bono (even more than He already has); Because each time He blesses you; God blesses Us with You!
Love you, Love you, and Admire you so much.
Gratefully yours,
Arlene Patry, Oakville, Ontario Canada

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Happy 43rd Birthday BONO!!!
Adriana from Canada

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Bono,
I wanted to share this photo with you because it reminds me each day that dreams come true. You have inspired me to pursue my dreams and to turn the dreams of others into reality. Your hard work has saved lives and has inspired others to do the same. Thank you for everything.
Happy Birthday.
peace, love, SOUL
Ann Storey
Sheridan, Wyoming

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Bono,
Thank you for all your work and determination to fight for Africa. I admire your commitment to educate others about the emergency in Africa and to provide relief to the people there. You are an inspiration to your fans.
You have motivated many others and myself to become more involved in humanitarian issues.
When I saw you on the Oprah show discussing the situation in Africa, you said “don’t take this lying down.” That statement stuck with me. I don’t want to take this lying down and I don’t intend to.
I got involved in the African Well Fund because of that statement, and because Christ said “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40. I can’t know about the needs of Africa and turn my back on the people there.
Happy Birthday. May God continue to bless you in this next year.
Angela Martens

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Bono,
Have a very happy birthday!! I hope that these wells were well worth all your years of inspiring music and perhaps even more inspiring work in Africa! No, I don't hope, I know. Your trip to Africa with Paul O'Neil showed me that one of the most important gifts you can give a village is clean water. And if we can make their futures a little brighter , than it was well worth it. Have a happy birthday , and enjoy yourself , you deserve it!
Much Love,
Abigail
P.S.- Congratulations on the Nobel Peace Prize
nomination!! I've got my fingers crossed!

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Happy birthday, Bono!
Hope you have a fantastic day!
Angela N.

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Happy Birthday, Love and Peace from the
"bella for a fella" in Santa Fe -
Amy Ferrara.

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Bono,
Happy birthday to you and Jordan!
Thank you for continuing to inspire us through U2's music and your commitment to humanity.
Love,
Anne, Alexandria, VA

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Bono,
You've inspired me in many different ways - in picking up a guitar, in looking at the world, and in working to solve humanitarian causes that effect all of us, regardless of the country we live in. Have a great birthday, and all the best to you and your family.
Andrew McNelly

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Greetings and Happy Birthday to Bono!
I am very happy to donate to this cause in honor of your birthday. Since it is my birthday too, it has a double meaning for me to do this.
Thank you for your music and your hard work.
Anita

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To Bono on his Birthday!
Thanks for being one of the greatest guys on this planet! Not only do you love your fans, but you love all people! In honor of your 43rd birthday, may this donation help those who need it the most. If it wasn't for you, we would never know how simple it is to bring a smile on an African child's face and give hope to those who could never see the light. I pray that this year you, your family, and the band stay safe and stay healthy, and I pray that you have many happy birthdays to come!
Love,
Allegra :-)

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Thank you for using your gifts to help people around the world! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday!
Angela

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Happy Birthday Bono!
Grace & Peace to you,
Anne Cimón (BostonAnne) and children Danny (11), Nicole (10) & Ryan (3)

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Dear Bono,
We met briefly after your outstanding "Heart of America Tour" presentation in Lincoln, Nebraska when I presented you with the proclamation making you an admiral in the mythical Nebraska Navy. Thank you again for your leadership in humanitarian efforts. As fans of your music, we've always been proud of you, but your kind heart and hard work to help people is inspiring! We'll continue to support your efforts any way we can!
Wishing you a birthday filled with love and laughter,
Aldona and Mark Doyle, Bellevue, Nebraska

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Happy Birthday BONO!!
Love AFFA from the band EXIT!

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To Bono: Happy Birthday and good wishes to you.
I am so proud to be a part of something as essential as a well in Africa. I remember you saying that you think there are a lot of fans who think that your activism isn't "hip". Well I'm here to tell you that there are a lot of us who think it's VERY HIP! Thanks to you i have become involved in making Africa a better place. I thank you for that and for the wonderful music U2 makes. You have truly changed my life for the better!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU!
You lift my days, and light up my nights.
Always and forever a fan,
Alicia Parman

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thanks for being an inspiration to me.
Love, Bryony

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