Laguna Beach Group Brings Clean Water to India

Submitted by Ellie Ortiz:

Sandy Vetter, of Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach received confirmation that four of the eight wells SILB and Women of the Wells raised funds for have been installed. The first four wells are in the Villages of:  Dukari Pada, Gulataare, Pepal Gaon, and Gulataare, located in State of Maharashtra, near Sakri, India.  The previous water sources for these tribals were dirty ponds, or shallow open wells, most of which would dry up during the summer season. The new deeper wells will provide clean  safe drinking water all year round.

Like so many who do fundraising, Sandy Vetter really had no idea what she was in for. “I just knew that I wanted to provide a source for clean drinking water in India after I came back from an eye opening tour.  The hard work has paid off in a big way. Every cent that was raised has gone directly to this project.  After connecting with Women of the Wells, a Newport Beach non-profit organization, and with the support from my local Soroptimist chapter my life was consumed with gathering donations for the “Hidden Treasure” sale we held last March”.  Sandy’s entire home and garage and offsite storage became the launching pad for receiving, organizing, tagging, and pricing of literally thousands of items. The donated treasures were everywhere. When asked about the project, Sandy Vetter replied “I would not have offered if I really knew what was involved.  But the outcome was worth it. We raised enough money for eight wells at $1,800 each. The notice that the four have already been installed brought tears of joy.” 

Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach is a volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Founded in 1948, the Laguna Beach club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas where almost 100,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based projects that benefit women.. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit our website at silagunabeach.org.

Photo: Women from the state of Maharashtra, near Sakri, India and their new well.