It all started in 2008 when a 19-year-old asked himself the question, what can one person really do? That former 19-year-old’s name is Seth Maxwell, who you may know as the genius behind the impactful organization, the Thirst Project. Now, 16 years later, the Thirst Project continues to change the lives of many, having raised more than $10 million, which has given over 550,000 people safe, clean water.
On May 18, the Thirst Project brought together celebrities and supporters at its 15th Annual Thirst Gala hosted at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event helped raise funds to support the nonprofit’s clean water projects internationally. One of the many remarkable things about the organization is that it invites the future to spearhead and lead this movement. The Thirst Project works with middle schools, high schools, and colleges to inspire new generations to take action and make a positive difference.
Celebrities including Lance Bass and Michael Turchin, Jaime King, Mike Manning, Baby Ariel, Zachary Gordon, Chester See, Yuyu Kitamura, Kevin McHale, Raegan Revord, and many more showed their support at this year’s wondrous event. Missi Pyle and Becky Baeling Lythgoe were the fabulous hostesses with the most and brought a whole lot of fun and laughter as they encouraged attendees’ giving spirit during the live auction. Season 16 winner of The Voice, Maelyn, brought her music magic to the Thirst Gala stage with a brilliant performance. Libby and Victor Boyce, parents of the gifted and stupendous, late actor Cameron Boyce, who was an avid supporter of the Thirst Project, also spoke on stage at the event.
The 15th Annual Thirst Gala honored renowned celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson with the Cameron Boyce Pioneering Spirit Award. Gibson has made many admirable efforts to further the Thirst Project’s mission. He funded a clean water project at the 2018 Thirst Gala and has helped over 1,000 people get access to safe, clean water.
“I got a chance to actually do Cameron’s hair several times and he was such an incredible human being, and tonight I’m getting his award,” Gibson told AlexisJoyVIPAccess at the event. “What a legacy and how incredible is that?! I feel so honored, so privileged. As a hairdresser and as a salon owner, water is essential for us; so why wouldn’t it be that me as a hairdresser would be a part of something that is so important, not only to me as a hairdresser, but also people all around the world.”
This year’s event was a great success as the Thirst Project was able to raise over $218K to continue its sensational work.
I had a magnificent time interviewing the trailblazer Seth Maxwell at the 15th Annual Thirst Gala all about what inspired him to start his groundbreaking organization, what advice he would give to those who want to get involved in movements like the Thirst Project, and so much more only in our VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview. Maxwell even revealed what his biggest takeaway has been from putting his heart, soul, and passion into the nonprofit for 16 years—hear what he had to say in our VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview.
Check out my VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview with Thirst Project pioneer, Founder, and CEO Seth Maxwell at the 15th Annual Thirst Gala below. For more information on the Thirst Project, visit here.
Take a look at more photos from the 15th Annual Thirst Gala below!
Photo Credits: Gonzalo Marroquin / Getty Images
