Project 615’s third annual Nash Spring Bash might have ended slightly early due to the weather, but a little rain did not hinder the impact of the festival!

The festivities were held in Centennial Park, where hundreds of Nashville residents and tourists came out to support local philanthropic businesses and nonprofits. Whether it was leather goods, edible cookie dough, a fashionable T-shirt, or a beautiful art piece, every purchase was for a good cause. The festival was full of people with the passion to see change in the world!

Because this was my first event with Blood:Water as an intern, I was honored to be able to represent a nonprofit that empowers grassroot organizations in Africa to create long-term change in their communities. Time flew by, mainly because of the eager ears that visited me at the Blood:Water tent, where Faith (another Blood:Water intern) and I had the privilege of sharing with attendees the amazing work of our partners working to end the water and HIV/AIDS crises in in their communities.

Many people shared their own stories of traveling to Africa or working on water and sanitation projects in different countries all over the world, but my favorite conversation of the day was with an 11-year-old girl with a big heart. She was so inspired to help our friends in Africa that she decided to host her own Lemon:Aid stand this summer! I love how no matter how young or old a person may be, they can make a difference for someone else.

I have been an intern at Blood:Water for two weeks, and already it is impacting my life. During the festival, I took notice of the individuals, families, and pets that were walking around, and many of them had one thing in common: access to clean water. It is a great privilege to live in a place where water is not only available, but also safe to drink, and we are so blessed not to have to sacrifice an education or time with our family to obtain it. I feel extremely grateful for the perspective that Blood:Water has given me in these short two weeks, and I look forward to what I will learn in the rest of the summer.