Our Board Members are amazing! For over a decade, they have committed whole-heartedly to providing access to clean water for the people of Burundi. We want you to get to know the people who make the mission possible.
Paula McCaul has been on the board of directors for four years and sits on Outreach, Development, and Event committees. Her seemingly boundless energy, devotion to family, and helping others have led her to help create clean water curriculum for teachers and students, and help coordinate some of our key fundraising events. Paula loves big ideas, and big challenges. Learn what drives Paula.
How did you get connected to the Gazelle Foundation?
Like so many others, my story starts with meeting Gilbert. I joined his running group, Gilbert’s Gazelles, in 2006 and got to know Gilbert. After hearing his story and learning about the mission, I ran Run For The Water (R4TW) several times, then started volunteering at the race. Volunteering is how I really started to get involved.
What motivated you to join the Board?
Having volunteered at events like R4TW, and Spring For The Water (S4TW), I got to know many of the board members and was inspired by their passion and the change they were helping to make in Burundi. I felt compelled to become involved in a more substantial way and was thrilled when asked to be on the board.
How does your unique background and perspective help move the mission forward?
I had put together fundraisers and served on various boards, especially those involving my children’s schools. After my four sons were grown and out of the house, I had the time, and experience, to dedicate to the Gazelle Foundation. I have a passion for fundraising especially when I see the outsized impact funds have to people on the ground in Burundi. I am a true extrovert and love sharing Gilbert’s story, and the work of the Foundation, and helping drive the mission forward.
What accomplishments or projects keep you motivated and engaged in the Gazelle Foundation mission?
I am incredibly proud of the fundraising we continued to do during COVID. For non-profits, events are critical, and in the absence of in-person events, we had to find creative ways to reach new audiences and keep people engaged. In the spring of 2020 I helped organize a virtual event, Come Together For The Water. The event was hugely successful and fully funded two water systems!
What do you like to do in your (limited!) spare time?
I am kind of boring! I love running, obviously, and reading. I am a hospice volunteer and it’s an honor to bring some measure of ease and comfort to people as they near the end of life. I also volunteer with Drive A Senior and take seniors to various appointments when they can no longer drive. I love spending time with my family, and my son and daughter-in-law just moved to Buda from Portland, Oregon, which is really exciting! In fact, I’ve spent the entire day in their bathroom, painting it for them, which has taken much longer than I expected!
What book is on your nightstand currently? Any recent favorites you'd like to share and why you like them?
I am a big reader and will read just about any genre. Currently, I am reading Lincoln Highway, and I just finished David Grohl the Storyteller, which is an amazing autobiography!
And recent favorite movies, music, or podcasts? Why are they favorites?
We just watched Only Murders In The Building, the humor and suspense made it such a fun series. For podcasts, I listen to The Rich Roll Podcast, an inspiring endurance athlete, also NPR’s Fresh Air, Smartless, and The Daily.
