Water for Life event launched at Valdosta State University

Benjamin Hortman decided during his last semester at Valdosta State University that “this needed to be the time” to take action, and organized its first ever Water For Life event, raising $1,738 for WaterAid America.

Inspired by research done in his sophomore year for a paper on AIDS, Ben was angered when he learned of the number of people sickened by a lack of clean water, “I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I felt spoiled. I had to do something with the resources I had around me!”

He resolved to “do something healthy in the community to raise a bunch of money for healthier living,” so Ben established Water For Life, a sprint triathlon consisting of a 300-yard swim, six-mile bike ride, and two-mile run.

Using his personal fundraising page as the link to all of the event’s information, Ben contacted a variety of student organizations including brothers from his fraternity. “I carried a projector, flyers, and a laptop with me at all times. WaterAid’s DVD helped tremendously with facilitating the message and necessity of each person's help. I went to all the offices around campus putting up fliers and some teachers had me come in and give presentations to their classes. Some even made it extra credit on an assignment if they showed up!”

Despite subfreezing temperatures, 20 participants including three relay teams showed up for the morning’s festivities. Following the event, participants, staff, students and observers gathered on the lawn and enjoyed a free concert by local musicians Soular 7. The successful event helped spread awareness of the global water crisis and raised $1,738.00 for WaterAid America.

When asked if he would recommend others start a group or event on their campus, Ben replied, “Of course! A lot of good comes from the effort. We changed people’s lives and had a great time in doing so! You learn a lot about yourself through everything and when it’s over it’s such an amazing feeling.”

In spite of Ben’s graduation, his Valdosta State organization continues its work and is planning its next sprint triathlon. “I’m confident that they will put something on again for WaterAid because everyone fell in love with its work and impact. As Margaret Mead once said, ‘A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.'"