Katie Spotz Helps Ohio Schools Raise Money For Clean Water In Africa

Katie Spotz already knew how important clean drinking water was .

The Mentor native had already and with a broken hip to raise money for parts of the world who didn't have potable water.

And one doesn't endure that sort of physical test for something trivial.

So she already knew about affect clean water has on health and the environment but she learned one more thing water impacted while in Kenya.

"What really struck me is how water affects education," Spotz said. "There were many kids (in Kenya) who would spend their day walking somewhere to collect water instead of going to school."

This realization inspired Spotz to start Schools for Water, a program in which schools in Ohio could raise money so schools in Kenya could have clean water.

In its first year, effort has raised more than $90,000 for the Blue Planet Network, which supports clean-water projects around the world.

The 10 Ohio schools who participated include All Saints of St. John Vianney School, Beachwood High School, Laurel School, Kenston High School, Norton Middle School, Old Trail School, St. Dominic Catholic School, St. Gabriel Youth Ministry, , and Sts. Robert and William Catholic School.

Every $10 raised represents another African child who will now have access to clean water, Spotz said.

Each penny the students raised will be matched by Fairmount Minerals. Axel Johnson and Kinetico Inc. of Newbury Township are also Schools for Water sponsors.

The money will be used to build tanks that catch rain water and then use a biosand filter to purify it.

Spotz said, before she began Schools for Water, kids would ask her how they could help people around the world get clean water and she didn't have a good answer for them.

"They could donate but I didn't have a way for them to feel involved," she said.

Now, each of these schools found their own ways to get involved and raise money. Some held bake or craft sales; others had walks or runs for water; another group gave up bottled water and donated the money they saved, Spotz said.

Spotz will celebrate these schools, their students and the work they did from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday at Classic Park in Eastlake during a free event that is open to the public.

At 12:30 p.m., the students will try to break the world record for the most people carrying water on their head -- a task that is commonplace for the kids in Kenya who have to porter clean water to their homes.

The celebration will also include fun games, including a water-balloon dash, a pen-pal writing station and other interactive and educational activities.

For more information about Spotz's work, as well ways to donate, visit her web site: katiespotz.com.