Wells of Life Gala Raises $1.8M to Fund Safe Drinking Water Wells in Uganda
- Wells of Life Admin
- Nov 22, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 14, 2022
California-Based Nonprofit Honors Local Philanthropist’s Art and Gaye Birtcher at
2021 Annual Legacy Gala
IRVINE, Calif.– November 19, 2021 – Wells of Life, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, clean water for the people of Uganda, announced that it raised a record $1.82M to fund safe drinking wells at its recent annual Legacy Circle Gala – sponsored by Lugano Diamonds -- for Orange County’s top business and philanthropic leaders.
Founded in 2005, Lugano Diamonds is one of the finest jewelers in the world, whose commitment to unparalleled quality, exquisite beauty and professionalism is surpassed only by theirgenerosity, said Wells of Life Founder and CEO Nick Jordan.
“On behalf of Wells of Life, I am deeply grateful to Moti and Idit Ferder, co-founders of Lugano Diamonds, for their support and inspired commitment over the past two years, during which we raised $2.8 million, to enable our goal of building 1,000 wells by the end of 2022,” said Jordan.
Co-chaired by philanthropist Jacqueline Dupont-Carlson, Michelle Jordan, and Rosemary Sperry, the entire black-tie gala was made possible through the support of Lugano Diamonds and Farmers and Merchants Bank, he said.
Thanks to their leadership, donations to the 2021 Legacy Circle Gala, held on November 4, 2021, at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, came in record numbers, surpassing an earlier goal of $1.4M, he said.
“Previously, we had the lofty goal of raising $1.4 million in donations, but thanks to the support of our sponsors and guests, including Lugano Diamonds and Farmers and Merchant Bank, we set a record of raising $1.82 million,” said Jordan, noting that the impressive sum came from just 85 attendees, averaging $21,000 per guest.
“Wells of Life celebrated our most successful year ever. We have provided clean water to over 700 rural communities in Uganda since 2010. Thanks to those who share our vision, we are setting an example of improving water access to the previously forgotten villages. We invite everyone to join us in this important work, creating a world with clean water available to all – one person, one well and one village community at a time,” said Jordan.
Wells of Life (WOL) is a Christian non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of lives within rural Ugandan communities by drilling wells and providing water, sanitation, and hygiene education to create sustainable access to water. Since its founding in 2009, WOL has drilled 617 wells and restored 136 wells, changing lives in immeasurable ways in the process.
In addition to the support from Lugano Diamonds and Farmers and Merchant Bank, Linda Young and Elite OC Productions coordinated a beautiful event for all to enjoy who were in attendance. (See list of notable attendees below.)

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