Event helps children in Nigeria

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GREENFIELD — Go to the faucet. Grab a glass. Take a swig without worrying what’s in the water.

It’s an everyday happening for those fortunate enough to live in countries where clean water is readily available. But in some remote areas of the world, people walk miles in search of the fresh water they and their families needto survive.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Greenfield hosts an event aimed at bringing that resource to those who need it.

The sixth annual Wine to Water event is scheduled for Saturday. It’s a wine- and beer-tasting event with entertainment, a silent auction and appetizers and dessert.

Proceeds from the event go to an adopt-a-school program to build wells and toilet facilities for 2,000 students at the Port Harcourt Secondary School in Nigeria.

Rotarians hope their efforts are able to change the course of the students’ lives because it will allow children and teachers to focus on education rather than battling unsafe water conditions and illness.

The event helps the club meets its mission, service above self, Rotarian Donnie Munden said.

“Rotary tries to help people in our community as well as people worldwide who we don’t even know,” Munden said. “We know people in underdeveloped parts of the world can’t necessarily provide for themselves.”

Tickets for the event are $30 and can be purchased at the door or beforehand.

Price Eye Care and The Villas at Timber Run are selling tickets, or they can be purchased through a Rotary member.

Vendors at the event include Easley Winery, Ertle Cellars, Sun King Brewery and Carson’s Brewery.

It’s going to be a fun event for anyone who attends, said co-chair Monica Price Kowaleski.

“It is a great event not just for Rotarians but for the public as well,” she said.

The event is usually well attended and raises between $5,000 and $8,000, organizers said.

It costs about $3,000 to set up a well and facilities in Nigeria, and the amount of money raised directly affects the scope of the project, Munden said.

The event will be at St. Michael Catholic Church in Greenfield, and guests must be 21 or older to attend.

Rita Fish, another co-chair for the event, said the night also raises awareness about water shortages around the world.

“It’s important because we take for granted the water we have,” she said. “We just go to the faucet every day and wash our hands and get a glass of water. … They don’t have access to anything even remotely close to that.”

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The Rotary Club of Greenfield will host its sixth annual Wine to Water event this weekend. Here’s the info you need if you plan to attend.

What: Wine- and beer-tasting event, complete with appetizers, desserts and entertainment

When: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: St. Michael Catholic Church, 515 Jefferson Boulevard, Greenfield

Cost: $30; tickets can be purchased at the door or through co-chairs Sara Joyner (call 317-507-3607) and Monica Price Kowaleski (call 317-402-0222)

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