On Sunday, September 23rd, philanthropist, Stanley Black welcomed Wells Bring Hope back to his home for the fifth year in a row for its 10th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser. Under twinkling lights and the night sky, WBH celebrated not only its 10th anniversary, but also the achievement of reaching a milestone goal – the drilling of 500 wells in ten years.

It was an exciting, festive evening that included entertainment by the Dafra Drum and Dance Ensemble, musicians and dancers from West Africa.

Guests nibbled on delicious food from Craig’s Crew and sipped wine donated by the Hood Wine Company. Also featured was the “Stanley Special,” a refreshing vodka drink topped off with fresh strawberry puree and mint.

While everyone mixed and mingled, the very capable volunteers enticed guests to bid in the silent auction.  This year we offered enticing restaurants like Nobu Malibu, Cassia and BOA as well as getaways to Santa Fe, Santa Barbara, Chicago, and Scottsdale. Thanks to everyone who bid and made the auction lively and fun!

Our event was a huge success, thanks to our generous donors, capable volunteers, and especially to Board Member, Carol Rosen who choreographed it all, and Michelle Chan of Ella Mae Productions who lent her event planning skills.

At the close of the silent auction, guests moved to the back lawn, where they were welcomed by Founder and President, Barbara Goldberg. She told the story of how Wells Bring Hope started as a grass roots effort, inspired by Gil Garcetti, and acknowledged the women who helped to start it.

She also acknowledged WBH’s corporate and event sponsors and partners, including Bliss Car Wash and its owner/founder, David Delrahim who was joined at our event by his family and team.

We were also delighted to have first time sponsors, City National Bank, with a donation initiated by Michael Zells in honor of Stanley Black. Other corporate partners included Noosh Brands, and Merrill Lynch.

Documentary filmmaker Mellissa Tong of DuckPunk Productions introduced the video she shot on her trip to Niger last February. Guests were very moved by her powerful images and the story that she told. She was followed by Gil Garcetti who told the story of how he began his journey to Niger and what that has meant in his life.

This year, WBH was proud to honor its long-time supporter, Stanley Black, at whose home we’ve held our annual fundraiser for the last five years. To make this event even more special, Councilmember Paul Koretz declared September 23rd to be “Stanley Black Day” in perpetuity, honoring him for his lifelong philanthropic work and service to the community.

Grant Snyder, auctioneer extraordinaire, took the stage for the sixth year in a row, helping us raise lots of money for wells.  He auctioned off exciting trips to Belize, Puerto Vallarta, Santa Fe, and a choice of five Colibri Boutique Resorts. Once again Turkish Airlines gave us two business class tickets to any of their Africa destinations. They’ve supported us for the last six years, and we so appreciate their generosity.

This year we were fortunate to have two matching donors, Marsha and Mark Hierbaum who contributed $30,000 in matching funds for Raise the Paddle, along with the Margaret M. Bloomfield Foundation, which contributed $10,000 in matching funds.

This year we are proud to have raised enough money to fund 39 wells!

Thank you to all who came to support Wells Bring Hope’s ten great years!

To view and download all of these photos and more, please check out the album on the Wells Bring Hope Facebook page. It was great to welcome back photographer, Tatsu Ikeda whose incredible photography will, along with video shot by Michele Morris, help us to memorialize the event.