Join the Washington, DC Water For People Committee on Monday, June 13, 2011 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts as we host our 2011 Gala Reception to recognize women around the world who have made significant contributions to their community in the field of water and sanitation. The theme for this year's premier Water For People event, Women In Water, is an important one. Throughout the world, 884 million people do not have access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion are without adequate sanitation facilities. Women and young girls spend countless hours and walk miles each day, often at great risk to their safety and lives, to secure water for their families; subsequently, losing their opportunity to earn an income or education. Water For People is working to change this.

The Washington, DC Water For People Gala will bring together utility managers, industry leaders, the Nation's policy-makers and the philanthropic and business communities who are at the forefront of making a positive impact on global water issues. Our VIP reception will feature a few words from our special guest - George Hawkins, General Manager of DC Water. Other confirmed speakers include Maria Otero, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, as our keynote speaker; Ambassador Harriett Babbitt, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States, as our MC; Elisa Speranza, President of CH2M HILL's Operations & Maintenance Business Group; and Diana Betancourt, Central America Regional Manager for Water For People.

The reception will feature world music and a live performance from Itumiray playing traditional Andean and Bolivian music, a diverse selection of international hors d'oeurves, open bar, and an opportunity to enter into a raffle for numerous prizes, including a one week stay at the Ko'Olina Resort and Beach Club in Hawaii. Please click here for a complete list of raffle items. Raffle winners do not need to be present to win. If you are not attending the reception, please email: raffle@waterforpeopledc.org for information on purchasing your raffle tickets. If you are attending the reception, you can purchase your raffle tickets via the Paypal link above and your raffle tickets will be waiting for you at the door. After June 11th, tickets are $75. Tickets will not be available at the door, however they can be purchased up to 5pm the day of the event. For directions to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, please click here.

For more information, email: gala@waterforpeopledc.org