One little girl turns $300 into $1 million for clean, fresh water in Africa

[Missy Vixen]

Hi everyone,

I don't know if you've been following Rachel Beckwith's story in the media, but I wanted to post it here to honor her today.

Rachel was nine, and her family lives in Western Washington. For her ninth birthday, she asked her parents to skip the party and presents, and help her make a page on the charity:water website. She wanted to raise $300 to build wells in Africa after reading that people there are in desperate need of water, so she asked her friends and family to donate $9 apiece. Her page raised $220 by her birthday. She was, evidently, a little disappointed in not making her goal.

Rachel's family was in a terrible car accident on July 23rd. Rachel died. Her charity:water page took on a life of its own. That page passed $1 million in donations sometime this morning. If you'd like to take a look, please go to http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=16396.

I donated nine dollars on my birthday, July 28th. I think I'll donate again. After all, I can't remember anything that's made me happier in a long time now.

Please join me in sending whatever comfort and healing you can to her family as well. This has to be so bittersweet for them.

Rest in peace, Rachel. I'll never forget you.

-MV

[Kind of Blue]

1. Thank you so much, Missy Vixen

for bringing this to our attention. What an incredible young life. Wow. It is an honor to donate in her memory that will never die :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Missy Vixen]

2. I wanted to post this in GD as well, but I was afraid of the comments that would ensue.

Thank you so much for donating. I can't imagine how her parents must feel today.

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

3. It's been covered rather extensively, so I don't think you'd get negative replies...

Or maybe I'm so uber aware of this story and similar stories that I can't fathom negative replies. ;)

I'm pretty sure someone posted it a few days ago in GD, but it can't be reposted enough, in order to honor this lovely soul.

:hug: