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.
Andi Gillentine, Vice President of our Board of Directors and Plan Chief Operating Officer at Fidelis Care talks with Amanda and Bret Brummitt of Generous Benefits on their podcast, Generous Impact.
An anonymous donor inspired by his faith and love for Burundi is sponsoring a Clean Water Challenge to transform more lives in Burundi and spread more peach, love, and clean water.
When you donate before October 21st, you'll help us secure a challenge grant that will help twice as many people in Burundi access the life-changing power of clean water.
The Gazelle Foundation is fortunate to once again participate in Austin Marathon Gives, the philanthropic program, which encourages runners to raise money for local charities. The results of this partnership have a clear and direct impact on our ability to provide clean, accessible water to people in Burundi. In 2025, the program will give 695 new people daily access to clean water.
Construction on the Murwindara-Mugano Water System #72 in Burundi began on September 1, 2024 and was completed in December 2024. This system was funded by our sustaining donor community AMAZI For Burundi. A contaminated water source several miles away is what the community is relying on for water. The new system will provide water to 1,300 residents.
Gilbert Tuhabonye was honored to represent Burundi by becoming the first torchbearer ahead of the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia. For a man nearly burned alive to bear a flame as a symbol of peace and friendship, it was a full-circle moment for Gilbert. In recognition of the Paris Games, we talked about this extraordinary experience with him.
Arianna B. is a third-year student at McGill University studying environment and international development. She grew up around the Austin area and is spending part of the summer in Bulgaria. Arianna is working with our communications, program services, and outreach teams to research water systems we’ve built.
We extend our deepest thanks to Arianna for interning with us this summer.
The Gazelle Foundation welcomes Mary Ann Frishman to the board. She is the president of Frishco, Ltd., an editorial development house she founded in 1995. She believes that the Gazelle Foundation’s focus on one issue—clean water—is key to its success and is foundational to the health and welfare of Burundians.
