A sold-out crowd gathered at Hotel ZaZa on Saturday evening, February 28, 2026, for a powerful night of celebration and impact, raising support to bring clean water to more communities in Burundi.
Guests began the evening with an immersive, eye-opening water walk simulation, offering a glimpse into the daily journey many take to collect water. That shared experience set the tone for the night, which continued with dinner, dancing, a lively auction, and a photo booth to capture the moment.
The smiles tell the story of a community coming together to build clean water systems that transform daily life in Burundi.
World Water Day: Then, Now, and the Work Still Ahead in Burundi
This World Water Day, we reflect on the journey of bringing clean water to Burundi—from the early struggles to the progress made today.
Because of you, communities in Burundi are no longer walking miles for unsafe water. Children are in school. Families are healthier. Hope is flowing.
Today, we’re proud to share our 2025 Impact Report — a look at what your generosity made possible.
See an interactive map of all the sustainable water systems we have built in partnership with communities across rural Burundi. We started in the Bururi Province and intend to expand as water systems are completed.
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Musinzira-Mahwa water system kicked off on February 9, 2026. The system was made possible by the generosity of donors like you.
This water system marks a new beginning for this rural community by delivering permanent and close access to clean water. Currently there is no clean water located nearby, which means community members walk several miles away to fetch water that is contaminated.
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Ndago-Murabi-Myange Extension water system #51 began on February 25, 2019, and was completed on June 19, 2019. The project renovates and expands existing water infrastructure that had failed due to inadequate water supply. The Gazelle Foundation re-engineered the system, so it has sufficient water flow and built a large tank that will supply this community with clean water for generations to come.
We are pleased to announce the construction on the Kinyinya-Nyagihotora water system #52 began on February 25, 2019. Thanks to donations from our generous supporters, the water system was completed June 5, 2019. Among the 3,000 beneficiaries of this water system are; 414 students and teachers of Nyagihotora primary school, 476, students and teachers of Kinyinya primary school, 350 worshipers of Nyagihotora Pentecote Church..
Construction of the Kanyinya-Nyagihotora water system, a 11.05km (6.867 miles) project is about to begin. When complete 3,000 people will have daily access to water, including students and teachers at two different schools, a church, and a health center.
Access to clean water creates new opportunities and changes the trajectory of every person in the community. That’s what we mean when we say clean water transforms lives. 16 weeks of work by local contractors in Burundi and the support of people just like you are what it takes to make this project a reality.
Beginning at 6 am Friday (3/1) Gilbert will run 25 Wilke hill repeats to honor his 25th anniversary, and to raise funds for Amplify Austin. Come cheer, run, or support him through a donation. Donations give the opportunity and hope Gilbert found in Texas to his birth country - Burundi.
Mark your calendars for a very special Spring For the Water event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Gilbert Tuhabonye's escape from genocide and second chance of life.
Tickets and Tables are available. Join us April 30. Our goal for the evening is to fully fund two water projects that will serve 4,300 people honoring Gilbert's legacy of joy and gratitude. And recognize several of the key people behind the Gazelle Foundation’s success: philanthropists DK, Mike and Kley Reynolds, will accept the inaugural Peter Rauch World Changer Award. Read about the honorees here.
Chikage Windler, Chief Meteorologist, CBS Austin will emcee the evening. It will be an evening of fun, food & drink, and changing lives. Ticket is required. Ticket includes cocktails, dinner, and award ceremony at the Hyatt-Regency Foothills Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Purchase ticket or tables for Spring For The Water dinner and award ceremony.
After just 16 weeks the Gahanda-Rwego Water Project is complete and bringing clean water to 2,750 kids, grandparents, and families.
People using this water system are immediately healthier, because sanitation and hygiene are boosted, and risk of water-borne infectious diseases are reduced. Rather than spending hours collecting water, kids get more time to attend school. And people can work and earn money. The combination of health, income and education begin to reverse a cycle of poverty.
Providing access to clean water is more than quenching thirst. Regular access to clean water saves lives. We thrilled to report that the Kadasha-Kayange water system is 90% complete. Over the next few weeks all holding tanks, pipes, and tap stands will be connected, then final testing will begin. Five tap stands distribute clean water to 1,200 people. This water system is one of three that the Gazelle Foundation is currently working on. The project is on time and on budget, and its impact is already considerable.
More than 3,600 runners registered for the run today, raising enough money for the Austin-based Gazelle Foundation to help at least 6,400 people get access to clean water in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world.
Austin has clean water again, but millions of Africans do not. You can help change that just by registering for the 2018 Run for the Water. Make a short 5K run, a longer 10-mile run, or bring your family to the Kids K in beautiful downtown Austin Nov. 4, and you can change someone's life forever.
And if you don't want to run, you can still support water for Burundi, Africa by giving directly to the Gazelle Foundation.
