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.
October 21st, 1993. A date that will forever be etched into the mind and heart of Gilbert Tuhabonye. Twenty-seven years ago, Gilbert escaped something that none of us could ever fathom: genocide.
It’s rather easy for us to walk into and out of each day without ever thinking how much of a gift and a privilege and a blessing it is to live this life.
We hosted our first-ever virtual town hall with running legend, and local celebrity, Gilbert Tuhaboyne, and all those registered for Global Run For The Water were invited. The free event was an opportunity to ask Gilbert questions ranging from training and finding motivation, to life and overcoming obstacles. Gilbert will also share how your participation and support is changing the lives of people in Burundi.
Karen Liu (MLIS) a Librarian and longtime friend of the Gazelle Foundation put together lists of books for young readers and adult readers to explore clean water. These stories are about all of us. They show that clean water is the key to life, how to find hope in despair, and how simple acts of generosity and philanthropy can transform what we believe about ourselves and others, and how we connect with each other.
We’re happy to report progress continues on the Kabuki-Banda-Kiroro water system, which was fully funded by your generosity at the 2020 Come Together For The Water event. The project is on time and on budget and is already improving the quality of life for people in Burundi. Thanks to supporters like you children and families in friends in Burundi are able to access clean water.
The 2020 Run For The Water will be entirely virtual. The City of Austin has extended its orders to limit gatherings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 through mid-December. While we will miss seeing you along our beautiful race course, our primary concern is keeping our participants, volunteers, staff and vendors safe.
Even though the race is virtual, your support of clean water is very, very real. Now more than ever, people in Burundi need access clean water for good hygiene as the first line of defense against COVID-19. We know that our mission of bringing together runners and supporters to challenge themselves while providing clean water is, in some ways, more important than ever. Your race registration ensures that we can continue to provide that access to the people who need it the most.
We think this will bring a smile to your face and inspire you, hear Gilbert Tuhabonye, foundation co-founder in an inspiring conversation about finding motivation, three goals to running with joy, what he teaches his children about equality and Black Lives Matter movement, and what giving water means. We think the conversation will inspire you,. Recorded for Austin Fit Magazine with Ricky Doyle.
