Since 2012, the Reid family has partnered alongside Water4 through the Anabel Reid Event for Water as a way to honor the memory of their daughter, Anabel, and promote the mission of reimagining a world where safe water is available for all.
Anabel Reid, in her sophomore year as an environmental science major at Abilene Christian University, volunteered at Water4 in the fall of 2011. She had a heart for helping those in need of safe water as she knew it was a way to lead them to the Living Water. Tragically, in November of 2011, on her way to a service project, Anabel passed away in a bus accident at just 19 years old. Since then, her family has worked hard to keep Anabel’s passion for safe water alive through this important event, which is both a walk and highway cleanup.
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“Anabel was passionate about serving her Lord. She was passionate about loving others. She was passionate about clean water. So combining these three passions is an obvious way to honor her memory,” said Shelly Reid, Anabel’s mom.
This year marked the ninth annual Anabel Reid Event for Water in Lubbock, Texas. Due to the global pandemic, the decision was carefully made to host the event virtually, observing social distancing recommendations and focusing on the safety of those who would typically join together for this day of remembrance. Even though those who loved Anabel could not gather in person, her memory was once again honored as donations have continued to reach Water4 in an effort to support her passion.
“We look forward to the Anabel Reid Event for Water all year. It is an upbeat, sweet way to fellowship, honor Anabel and partner with one another to bring water and life to others,” said Shelly. “It is such a joy to see folks that we love and who loved Anabel. We don’t get to see some of the attendees on a regular basis, so reserving the first Sunday evening of May each year is a way to “save the date” and have a reunion that feeds our souls, their souls and the souls of many that we’ll never meet this side of Heaven.”
Funds raised through the 2020 Anabel Reid Event for Water will support Water4’s enterprise partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Access En Eau Et Development (AEDR). Funds will further their ability to serve the vulnerable populations through the provision of safe water, soap, hygiene trainings, and more. This year alone, AEDR plans to install 48 new safe water projects and has already completed 11 of those, impacting over 3,600 people.
At Water4, we are so thankful to the Reid family for allowing us the privilege of playing a small part in remembering Anabel. Because of the support raised through this beautiful event, thousands of lives have been changed through the provision of safe water and access to the Gospel.
“One day I’ll get to meet Anabel in Heaven and thank her for a life that has inspired such a legacy, but until then, I’ll just keep hugging her sweet mama’s neck and thanking them for choosing Water4 to carry out Anabel’s passion for serving others,” said Matt Hangen, Water4 President and CEO. Thank you, Reid family, for this amazing honor.
