Cassie Ballard is an example of Wells Bring Hope’s mantra: Inspiration, Commitment, Hope. On a very deep level, Cassie was seeking meaning for the arduous walk she planned to undertake. She was inspired to support Wells Bring Hope when she found out about the serious water crisis in West Africa and was especially moved by learning what women and girls must endure every day to get water. Her decision to raise money to fund a water well, fulfilled her search. Cassie started a Water Circle and asked everyone she knew to help her raise money and awareness of this cause. That was her commitment and one that she is fulfilling as a Water Warrior for Wells Bring Hope.

As part of her comittment to fundraising for Wells Bring Hope, Cassie hosted an incredible event last month. Held at the Woodman in Sherman Oaks on July 29th, guests enjoyed a scrumptious array of food out on the patio and danced the night away to the smooth jazz tunes of Showmance who played classics by all the jazz greats. Thank you to everyone who came out to share this wonderful evening with Cassie and Wells Bring Hope. Special thanks to Rose Schneider who planned and organized the event, put together a lovely silent auction and sold lots of raffle tickets, even to those who weren’t there for Cassie’s event! Everyone got swept away by the excitement of learning about Cassie’s walk and the work of Wells Bring Hope.

A note from Cassie:

As I enter “crunch time” right before my big 100 mile trek, I feel the need to stop and thank each and every person, friend, family member, and stranger for helping my vision become fully realized.
When I set out to hike the Wonderland Trail to raise money for one well in Niger, I didn't fully grasp what I was getting into. While I understood the physical and mental obstacles I would face on the trail and the many days training before, I didn't prepare myself for the feat of putting together an entire benefit and rallying people from all over the country to give to Wells Bring Hope. As challenging as it was, the evening of our event offered a ten-fold reward because we raised enough money to save the lives of over 100 children. The overwhelming feeling of CHANGE that we were able to bring about in a moment is one without words. I prepared for the physicality of my trek but not for the uplifting and satisfying HOPE I experienced through working with WBH.

Thank you, all of you. Because of you this hike has meaning. Because of you, I get the honor of making a difference in our world. Because of you, I am a better person. So here's to a crazy, life changing eight days ahead of me! Remember, my voice is louder than theirs, but their walk is bigger than mine.

Thanks to all the generous people at the event, Cassie is halfway to her goal of funding a well! Help her get the rest of the way there by donating to her Water Circle!