June 6 dawned sunny and cloudless over shelter C at Burke Lake. A crowd of 50 people clad in bright turquoise shirts gathered to complete a two-mile walk to raise funds to build a well in a Ugandan village called Natihalo.
It was a big day for Ceci Stillwell, whose months of preparing for the area’s first ever Walk 4 Water event had finally paid off.
“We raised enough money to build the well thanks to everyone involved,” says Stillwell. “It will be done in August, and the well dedication in the village will take place in November. I am so happy with the results.”
About 40 people pre-registered for the event and about 10 registered the day of the race.
“For the first Walk 4 Water Event that’s been in this area, this has been a great success,” said Terri Perry, a member of the New Hope Church in Lorton. “The fact that we raised enough money to build a well is amazing, and Ceci organized it all.”
At 8:40 a.m. children, fathers, mothers (with strollers in hand) and dogs set off walking on the two-mile trail around Burke Lake. The distance they walked represented how far women and children in Uganda walk everyday to get dirty water for their families.
Todd Brymer, owner and founder of St. Michaels Corporation (one of the companies that helped to co-sponsor the event), was also at Burke Lake, ready to complete the walk with his wife and kids.
“One of the best things about having a business is using the business to help other people,” says Brymer. “Walk 4 Water gave us a chance to help people on the other side of the world who don’t have basic needs, such as water, that we take for granted everyday. This event was great, and I believe we are making a difference.”