Briefly In the News: Women of the Wells see progress

Four of the eight wells the Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach and Women of the Wells raised funds for have been installed in India, according to Sandy Vetter of the organization.

In a press release, the nonprofit stated that the first four wells are in the “villages of Dukari Pada, Gulataare, Pepal Gaon, and Gulataare, located in the state of Maharashtra, near Sakri, India. The previous water sources for these tribals were dirty ponds, or shallow open wells, most of which would dry up during the summer season. The new deeper wells will provide clean safe drinking water all year round.”

Vetter had no idea what she was in for when fundraising for the project.

“I just knew that I wanted to provide a source for clean drinking water in India after I came back from an eye opening tour,” she said in a statement. “The hard work has paid off in a big way. Every cent that was raised has gone directly to this project. After connecting with Women of the Wells, a Newport Beach nonprofit organization, and with the support from my local Soroptimist chapter, my life was consumed with gathering donations for the ‘Hidden Treasure’ sale we held last March.”

Each well cost about $1,800 each, and funds came from the Hidden Treasure sale.

SILB is a volunteer group for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls. More information is at silagunabeach.org.

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Seminar in charitable tax planning

The Laguna Beach Community Foundation is hosting an educational seminar, “Learn How to Become a Leader in Charitable Tax Planning,” for all attorneys, CPAs and wealth advisors who live or work in Laguna Beach and are interested in learning more about the foundation’s Professional Council, according to a news release.

Local estate attorney Nicole Anderson and certified financial planner Randy Huston will lead the seminar from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday. Location details will be given upon registration. A brief reception will follow the seminar, which has been approved for continuing education credit for CFPs and CPAs and is pending approval by the State Bar of California.

For more information or to register, contact the Laguna Beach Community Foundation at (949) 715-8223 or info@lagunabeachcf.org.

— Alisha Gomez