Jared Ritter is running for water

Jared Ritter of Cape Girardeau, MO as a teenager came to understand some of the harsh challenges facing so many living in Africa.  He quickly recognized the contrasts with his unique privileges in his own life and wasn't satisfied to leave it at that. He wanted to use his skills and his interests to change the world. Jared really loves sports and appears to play just about all of them, including track.  After learning that so many people in Africa were walking several miles a day to retrieve water that wasn't even clean, Jared decided he would run for water to not only raise support but to try for a moment to step into their shoes. His goal was to run as many miles as he could and get pledges and donations for every mile ran.

Prior to the run, Jared and a friend spent the afternoon at the local mall getting attention and collecting donations for the run towards clean drinking water. A few weeks later, he hosted a car wash and connected with his church, friends and family garnering support and funds toward his goal. The day of the run came around and Jared completed his goal of 20 miles from his hometown to a neighboring city and back. People in the community came out to watch, some cars even followed him the whole time, and the local news covered his story. By connecting his particular love with his desire to make a difference, Jared raised $4,448.21 for clean water in Africa.  He even drove from his home state along with his mother and hand delivered the check to Blood:Water.

In Jared's own words he says, "Can one person truly make a difference? I believe so.  The passion, desire, benevolence, and heart to help others is contagious.  I wanted to open up people's eyes to the world around us.  Supplying clean drinking water for everyone in the world is a feasible and reasonable task. I'm excited to continue in helping our world become the place God had imagined it to be. We are all God's people. When one falls, we all fall."