Gazelle Foundation Co-Founder and award-winning professional runner Gilbert Tuhabonye danced with joy to thunderous applause after an uplifting program at the sold-out Spring For The Water Gala held at the W Hotel. The annual event raised more than $250,000 for the foundation’s mission to build sustainable clean water systems in partnership with rural communities in Southwest Burundi.
Board Member Dr. Chad Whited, Gala Committee Chair Natalie Brown, and Co-Founder Peter Rauch each explained how they met Gilbert and became invested in the Foundation’s mission. Dr. Whited shared that the foundation was started after Peter and Gilbert went on one of their long training runs 19 years ago, brainstorming how to improve people’s lives in Burundi. They settled on clean water, which is central to health, education, and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Originally, they planned to partner with local organizations but learned they could build water systems more efficiently themselves. Peter explained, “Our guiding principle is ‘Will this transform lives in Burundi?’ That’s what drives our impact.” To date, the foundation has built 73 water systems, bringing permanent access to more than 135,000 people.
When Gilbert took the stage, he gave a more personal account of what clean water means to him. He shared a side of Burundi that is less well known: “the mountains that reach for the clouds, the sweetest bananas you ever tasted, and tea and coffee that is grown nearby.”
He remembers waking up each morning, running two miles to fetch water, then running 6 miles to school, before returning home to fetch water again. “I’d sleep like a rock, I was so exhausted,” he said. After a recent visit to Burundi, he says, “Seeing the water projects was incredible with water flowing from the taps. I reflect on the beauty and lives transformed.”
Organized by Spring For The Water Gala Committee Chairs Natalie Brown and Paula McCaul, who have coordinated the event for many years, the fundraiser exceeded its goal to fund, design, and build two more sustainable, clean water systems in Burundi. The Foundation estimates that with each water system built, they save at least one child’s life from waterborne illness.
A genocide survivor, Gilbert’s indomitable spirit, infectious joy, and dedication inspires so many who know him through running, coaching, speaking and charitable circles. Learn how the Gazelle Foundation spreads hope in Burundi and how to get involved at GazelleFoundation.org.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Kreutz
Photo Credit: Oh Happy Day Booth
