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Boone-based relief organization praised by Foxx
Wine to Water brings clean water to communities in developing nations

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today praised the work of a local nonprofit, Wine to Water, which works to bring clean drinking water to communities around the world. In a speech on the floor of the U.S. House Foxx called the group’s international relief efforts “nothing short of inspiring.”

Wine to Water’s founder, Doc Hendley, started the organization with the idea of using wine events to raise money for water projects in communities that did not have access to clean water. A video of Foxx’s remarks about Hendley and Wine to Water can be viewed here. For more information about Wine to Water visit www.winetowater.org.

A transcript of Rep. Foxx’s speech is below:

“This recession has been tough on my state of North Carolina. With high unemployment haunting our state, it is easy to lose sight of the inspiring stories of many who continue to work hard at doing good. One of those who committed to doing just that is Doc Hendley, the founder of a North Carolina non-profit called Wine to Water, based in Boone in the heart of the High Country. "

“Doc’s vision for this organization is nothing short of inspiring. He started Wine to Water after doing some water sanitation work in Darfur, Sudan with Samaritan’s Purse, another exceptional relief organization located in Boone, North Carolina. Wine to Water was founded on the premise of giving the more fortunate members of our society an opportunity to bring life-giving water to people without access to clean drinking water around the world. "

“Wine to Water, which takes its name from the first miracle performed by Jesus during his earthly ministry, took an otherwise everyday event like a wine tasting and turned it on its head. By using wine events to raise money and awareness about the lack of clean drinking water in the developing world, Doc Hendley has harnessed a powerful social force and multiplied the generosity of many, including a corps of dedicated ASU students who volunteer with Wine to Water. Doc is, in essence, turning wine to water for some of the neediest people on the planet. "

“The work of Wine to Water in places like Sudan and Cambodia has already brought clean water to more than 25,000 people. Today his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication is helping to tap sustainable sources of clean water for communities beyond the reach of many traditional aid organizations. "

“Doc Hendley is setting a compelling example of the value of hard work and a vision to help others. He’s taken a commonplace object and used it to mobilize communities in America to help suffering communities around the world. "

“He is truly an exceptional North Carolinian and I want to praise him for his dedication to serving needy and suffering people. He has taken personal risks to do the hard work of providing water and clean water education in far-flung locations around the globe. Thank you Doc and all those who work with Wine to Water for your inspiring example during these difficult times.”

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