The Ripple Effect fund-raiser (Saturday 3rd July) was a great success. We set ourselves an ambitious target to raise sufficient funds to implement the clay-pot water filter program in 8 Lao villages. We have so far raised $8000.00 (AUD). Donations are still trickling in and we encourage all who wish to assist us in achieving our target to spread the word.

The event itself was great fun. Many newcomers to the project commented on the energy, youth and enthusiasm evident at the event. We wish to express our appreciation to the many people who made the event possible. Thanks to C3 Church for kindly making their church available. Thanks to Bill Quinn for conducting the charity auction and his masterly compering of the event. Thanks to Rafe Morris, the Stevenson Experience and Sanj and Hashemoto for their excellent entertainment. Thanks also to Arien and Damien for providing and managing the sound system.

Special mention must be made of all donors who made auction items available on the day: Waves Car Wash, Braddon; Cycle City, Lyneham; Fekertes Restaurant, Dickson; Two Sisters Restaurant, Dickson; Dickson Asian noodle House, Dickson; Eckersleys, Braddon; Smiths Alternative Bookstore, Canberra City; The Framing Store, Braddon; Adventure Trekking Equipment, Braddon; Debacle, Braddon; Purple Pickle Cafe, ANU; Tossalinis Ristorante, Civic; Officeworks, Braddon; Shi Hairdressing, Kingston; Kokoloco Dance Studio; Street Theatre, ANU; Canberra Impro; The Co-op Food Shop, ANU; Lerida Estate Wines; Phoenix Clinic, Turner; Lime Leaves Restaurant, Queanbeyan; Asian Book Room, Macquarie; Sarah Matchett; Eucale Stanes, nutritionist; Melody Kemp, photo-journalist; First Choice Liquor, Braddon; Jenny Wong, graphic designer; Nou Kham, AW pioneer potter; Erawan Bed and Breakfast; Canberra Raiders Rugby League Club; Civic Newsagents; Michelle Slezak, felt artist; The Front Cafe, Lyneham; and Snowgum, Braddon. We are indebted to the generosity of all these donors and ask supporters of the AW project to in turn support these businesses.

We wish also to mention our profound gratitude to the many businesses that provided in-kind support and help make the occasion amply catered for. Our thanks go to the Griffith Butchery; Greenwares; Plastic Creations; Supabarn, Canbera City; Cornucopia Bakery, Braddon; Mr Cheese; Blueys Cafe, Dickson; Wagonga Coffee; Country Valley Milk; Oconnor IGA; Lyneham IGA; Canberra Raiders Rugby league Club; C3 Church Belconnen; the Co-op Food Shop; University of Canberra, Faculty of Arts and Design; and nflame Creative.

The event was made possible by the dedication of a highly motivated team who did it in style and good humour. Many thanks to Babs, Anita, Jenny, Julian, Brendan, Sunny, Sarah, Susan, David, Eucale, Adam, Faith, Michael, Casuarina and Stuart. For small organisations like Abundant Water, raising funds to sustain ‘good work’ can become a real chore and it was gratifying to witness the success of on-line donations. The Ripple Effect not only successfully raised funds but helped raise our profile and introduce the project to many new participants. So stay tuned and we will keep you posted on our next event.