Waves for Change Charity Gala

Art for water

September 21, 2024

The Waves for Change Charity Gala, hosted by What Water and Unspoken Angels, was held at The St. Regis Atlanta in Atlanta on September 21, 2024, bringing together 180 guests, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and entertainment stars, to support access to clean water in Africa, including Cameroon and Gabon. With $300,000 raised, the event successfully met its fundraising goals and will enable the organizations to further their impact on the ground.

The Gala featured artworks by 8 renowned artists: Barthélémy Toguo TOGUO, UNESCO Artist for Peace and patron of What Water, Christian ‘Sumo’ Pearson of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, both present at the event; Ajarb Bernard Ategwa; Moustapha Baïdi Oumarou; Jean-David Nkot; Nigerian-British artist Lanre Olagoke MBE, recently decorated by King Charles III; Luxembourg artist Eric Mangen; and Axelle Salvage.

Guests also had the opportunity to bid on luxury experiences to support the cause. Among others, exclusive travel packages to Africa, offered by partners such as Village Noah and Tagidor Garden Resort & Spa Hotel in Cameroon, or Soraka Tours, a safari specialist in Tanzania, helped promote these nations as tourist destinations. A special opportunity, generously donated by renowned film producer Will Packer, added an extra touch of excitement to the auction.

In Cameroon, the funds will, among other things, enable the launch of a first programme in partnership with the Special Fund for Equipment and Intercommunal Intervention (FEICOM), whose Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the entity and What Water last August.

Reflecting on the event, Louise Bertille Sefolosha, Executive Director of What Water, said:
“We hit our targets and our fundraising goals. What Water’s work is about more than just providing water — it’s about creating opportunities and transforming communities. With these funds, we’ll be able to make a tangible impact on the ground in Cameroon and Gabon, and I’m very excited to start the work.”

We thank our volunteers for their engaged and continuous work for making this event happen, as well as our sponsors, partners, and collaborators Papilio Productions for the amazing moments captured and Mielle for the fantastic gifts in the goodies bags.