Cirque du Soleil is using its considerable genius and influence to help make clean water available to every human being on our planet.
ONE DROP is a non-profit organization established by Cirque du Soleil Founder, Guy Laliberté, whose mission is to “ensure everyone has access to water today and forever,” said Pien Bowler, Communications Manager for ONE DROP. “ONE DROP has projects in India, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Burkina Faso. ONE DROP projects aim to provide access to water, which is essential for life and development. Since its creation, ONE DROP has given 300,000 people access to water. Through our water management and water access projects in developing and emerging countries, ONE DROP’s goal is to have changed the lives of one million people by their 10th anniversary (ONE DROP turns 5 this Monday).”
This year, ONE DROP partnered with MGM Resorts and Lamborghini to sponsor an unprecedented global philanthropy event. Honorary Chair, His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, is joined by notable co-chairs film director and writer James Cameron, Cirque du Soleil President and CEO Daniel Lamarre, MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO James Murren, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.
In conjunction with World Water Day on March 22, 2013, all seven Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas will unite for a “benefit performance to raise awareness and funds for water-related issues.” For one night, the Cirque du Soleil shows on the Las Vegas Strip will be dark so that all 1,700 employees can participate in the event at the “O” theatre at Bellagio. The exclusive show “will celebrate Earth as an artistic creation and highlight water as the essence of life within the Earth’s ecosystem.”
This extraordinary event, directed by Krista Monson, will include special guest performances by platinum-selling recording artist Jackie Evancho and performance painter David Garibaldi. Victoria’s Secret model, Orluchi Orlandi will parade a gown designed by Roberto Cavalli especially for the ONE NIGHT performance. The show will also feature a piece choreographed by Sony Tayeh from “So You Think You Can Dance” and an original music composition by Danny Elfman. Ticket and event information are available at www.one.night@onedrop.org.
During the week of the show, ONE DROP, MGM Resorts International and Treasure Island will cooperate to raise funds for the charity. The week will begin with the Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk to support the Springs Preserve, and each Cirque show will contribute one night’s proceeds to ONE DROP.
“We are anticipated to raise around $3 million, over half of this amount will go to ONE DROP’s international programming and a significant gift will remain here in Las Vegas, specifically the Springs Preserve due to their commitment to supporting the educational and environmental sustainability programs,” said Bowler.
ONE NIGHT for ONE DROP is only one event happening this month to highlight the need for clean water. Events taking place around the world are posted on the UN’s website at www.unwater.org.
The United Nations General Assembly established World Water Day in 1993. Since that time, the organization has worked with the international community for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year’s theme is International Year of Water Cooperation.
For 20 years, World Water Day has facilitated dialogue in the global community about water-related issues like water sanitation, water for cities and water development. Here are some startling UN statistics:
- 85 percent of the world population lives in the driest half of the planet.
- 783 million people do not have access to clean water and almost 2.5 billion do not have access to adequate sanitation.
- 6 to 8 million people die annually from the consequences of disasters and water-related diseases.
- Various estimates indicate that, based on business as usual, ~3.5 planets Earth would be needed to sustain a global population achieving the current lifestyle of the average European or North American.
- Global population growth projections of 2–3 billion people over the next 40 years, combined with changing diets, result in a predicted increase in food demand of 70% by 2050.
- Clearly, there is a dire need for all citizens of planet Earth to address these issues. Cirque du Soleil is proof that the events and entertainment community can make a difference.
Green tip for April:
Earth Day 2013 is Monday, April 22. This year’s theme is The Face of Climate Change. Start planning now to integrate Earth Day initiatives into upcoming events. Visit www.earthday.org.
