TAP into the global solution to safe water this weekend

Spring has sprung, y'all and it's time to be outside! Perfect time to enjoy a fresh glass of water and support Unicef's Tap Project right here in Charlottesville as a part of World Water Week. At the following 16 Charlottesville restaurants, pay just $1 for the glass of tap water you usually get for free. The money funds UNICEF drinking water projects around the globe.

Ariana Kebob, Aromas, Bang!, Blue Moon Diner, Bluegrass Grill, The College Inn, Eppie's, Fleurie, Horse & Hound Gastropub, Hotcakes, Ivy Inn, Orzo, Petit Pois, X Lounge, Zinc, and Zocalo.

This weekend is the second anniversary of the TAP Project, a nationwide event to bring awareness and solutions to safe, clean drinking water needed around the globe.

You know, the stuff you brushed your teeth with this morning and didn't even think twice about. Now I'm not pointing fingers here - I did the same. But it's a fact that here in America we take for granted fresh, clean water. So let Betty splash a little cold water on your face this morning...

Water Facts and Stats:

*Water-borne disease is the second highest cause of childhood death in the world – killing more than 4,100 children every day.

*UNICEF’s goal is to reduce the number of people without safe water and basic sanitation by 2015. Since 2007, the Tap Project has provided clean drinking water for more than 1 million children.

*Nearly 900 million people lack access to clean water…that’s the population of New York City multiplied more than 45 times over. With $1, UNICEF can provide a child with access to clean, safe water for 40 days, or 40 children with access to safe water for 1 day.

*All money raised via the Tap Project has gone toward UNICEF’s water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. Since 1990, UNICEF has helped 1.6 billion people gain access to clean water and sanitation.

*UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices.

*A staggering 40% of the world’s population – more than 2.5 billion people – lack basic sanitation facilities.

*About one out of five people in sub-Saharan Africa rely on a clean drinking water source that is more than 30 minutes away.

*So I talked to Gwen Goodkin about how she became involved in Unicef's Tap Project, the exciting 16 restaurant participating this year in Charlottesville, and the important and tres easy thing for you to do: DONATE the money you would have spent on a drink and GET TAP WATER INSTEAD.



*Gwen is excited about the great publicity this year. She’s had help from Channel 29 TV Channel 29 TV, Chuck Baer of Black Baer Sealcoat (Ivy and Crozet folks, have you seen the billboard on Ivy Road - you know the one I'm talking about), and the folks at Lighthouse Studios Lighthouse for putting together an AMAZING PSA, and UnicefUnicef. I LOVE this woman! She gets things done. "All you need is a computer and laser printer and things just happen!" Betty loves positive thinking like this. Her 13-yr-old son (pictured above) has been a huge part of this year's campaign and commenced calling area restaurants while on vacation in Chicago!.

So your part is easy- here's all you do:

1) Take your and your friends and family and your LOCAL GREENBACKS out to a participating restaurant (the first pat on your back - way to keep your green here in the 'ville)
2) Tell them Better World Betty sent you (second pat on the back for supporting a local non-profit - thanks)
3) Then instead of having tap water (you usually have for FREE) or drinks, donate THAT money to the Tap Project! (third pat on the back for personally investing and taking action to solve the world's fresh water drinking problem! You rock.)

The Tap Project continues through next Saturday, March 27th. So you have all week!

Loving water, loving you!
BWB

P.S. From their website:

"What is the UNICEF Tap Project?

In 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project was born in New York City based on a simple concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all funds raised would support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

Growing from just 300 New York City restaurants in 2007 to thousands across the country today, the UNICEF Tap Project has quickly become a powerful national movement.

During World Water Week, March 21-27, 2010, the UNICEF Tap Project will once again raise awareness of the world water crisis and vital funds to help the millions of children it impacts daily. All funds raised support UNICEF's water, sanitation and hygiene programs, and the effort to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world."