They are the heroes. You are the fuel. That’s what we truly believe at Blood:Water—that we are coming alongside hidden heroes in Africa who desire to address the HIV/AIDS and water crises and we need your help back home to fuel the movement.
On March 6, Blood:Water advocates, Alan and Bonnie Verlander did just that. With the help of some of their friends and family, they raised over $35,000 for Blood:Water. They did it by hosting a Blood:Water House Concert in their hometown, Jacksonville, Florida.

Some of my fantastic colleagues, Mike Hamilton, president of engagement, and Jake Smith, director of major gifts, and I flew down to Florida with our founding band and artist partner, Jars of Clay, to attend this special fundraiser. This private event was one of now over 20 Blood:Water House Concert events that various amazing Blood:Water donors have hosted around the country to their specific communities over the past four years. It is one of my favorite settings where people learn about the Blood:Water story and are invited to join this fight to end the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa.

We are so thankful for the outpouring of enthusiasm and support in Jacksonville and the 130 guests that joined us! If you are interested in hosting your own Blood:Water House Concert, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Each concert has its own feel and flair based on the hosts’ vision, and we love walking alongside our amazingly creative, generous, energetic hosts and host committees in making their event a special night for their community and Africa.