Let's Hear From Our Board Members
Thank you to our organizational sponsors!
2026 Water Connects Us
Join Freshwater for an inspiring evening along the Mississippi River celebrating the power of water to connect people, communities, and ideas.
This year’s Water Connects Us event will feature an Art for Water theme—exploring how creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences can deepen our connection to water and the role we all play in protecting it. Guests will experience a thoughtfully curated evening including:
- Artist-led and interactive experiences
- Meaningful conversation with Freshwater supporters, partners, artists, and community leaders
- Heavy appetizers, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
- A silent auction with unique items and experiences in support of Freshwater’s mission
- A memorable celebration of the power of water to connect people, communities, and ideas
We hope you’ll join us for a memorable evening along the river’s edge!
Event Program
5pm to 6:30pm: Welcome Reception and Silent Auction
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Artist-led, interactive activities:
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Weaving Water Experience, led by social practice artist Sarah Nassif
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Interactive poetry station led by spoken word artist Kyle "Guante" Tran Myrhe
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Self-led gallery walk-through, featuring art and photography from Freshwater's archives
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Wine from Rustic Roots Vineyard, beer from Bucks Mill Brewing, alongside non-alcoholic beverages
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Heavy appetizers from Chef Jeff
6:30pm to 7pm: Main Program
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Speakers:
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Michelle Stockness, Freshwater Executive Director
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Alex Van Loh, Freshwater Program Manager
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Michelle Spangler, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Outreach Coordinator
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Beth Carreno, Freshwater Board Member
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Spoken Word Poetry Performance: Kyle "Guante" Tran Myrhe
7pm to 8pm: Dessert, Networking, and Checkout
About Water Connects Us
Water Connects Us is Freshwater’s annual benefit, bringing together a community of supporters, partners, and emerging voices for an evening of connection, creativity, and shared commitment to protecting water.
This year's event, rooted in our Art for Water initiative, will highlight Freshwater’s role at the intersection of water stewardship, community engagement, and culture. Through a thoughtfully designed experience, Water Connects Us invites guests to explore how water shapes our lives and how we can work together to sustain it.
Who This Event Brings Together
Water Connects Us is designed for people who care about water and want to be part of what comes next. This event is a great fit for:
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Individuals who are passionate about clean water and community impact.
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Donors and supporters interested in learning more about Freshwater’s work.
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Corporate and organizational partners exploring collaboration around water and sustainability.
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Leaders and professionals working across water, environmental, and public health fields.
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Artists, educators, and advocates interested in the intersection of water, culture, and community.
Whether you are a long-time supporter or newly connected to Freshwater, you’ll be part of a shared experience designed to inspire, connect, and move our work forward.
We want Water Connects Us to be accessible to people who care about water and community. If the ticket price is a barrier, please contact Jaron Cramer at jcramer@freshwater.org to request a reduced-cost or complimentary ticket. We especially welcome inquiries from artists, students, community organizers, and emerging leaders.