Heart of America Championships continued its long-standing partnership with Thirst Project during the 2026 season, raising nearly $10,000 through events in Nashville and Orlando. The funds will help provide clean water for almost 400 people for life while supporting a village water project in Eswatini.
At this year’s HOA events, students, directors, families and audience members donated during “Miracle Minute” fundraisers. On-site giving and online donations, combined with a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution from Music Travel Consultants, brought the 2026 season’s donation total to over $9,500.
“[These donations] will go a long way toward funding a village in Eswatini and providing 381 people with clean water for a lifetime,” Thirst Project Outreach Coordinator Damon Brown shared.
HOA has partnered with Thirst Project and Performing Arts for Thirst for several years, helping fund clean water initiatives in communities across Eswatini, Kenya and El Salvador. Since the collaboration began, the HOA community has donated approximately $70,000, helping provide clean water for nearly 3,000 people.
Performing Arts for Thirst
Founded in 2008 by former show choir student Seth Maxwell, Thirst Project is the world’s leading youth water organization. The nonprofit has raised more than $16 million to provide access to clean water for nearly 800,000 people across 13 countries.
The global water crisis continues to affect nearly 700 million people, many of whom must walk miles each day to collect water from contaminated sources. Access to clean water improves health, education and long-term economic stability in communities around the world.
More than 60 schools nationwide have partnered with Performing Arts for Thirst since the launch of its national show choir campaign. Since 2016, participating show choirs have raised nearly $750,000 for clean water initiatives.
Making a Difference
Brown praised the continued support from the HOA community and the impact created by students and educators.
“We simply cannot properly express our gratitude for the staggering difference HOA is making in the world through our partnership,” Brown said. “HOA and all of your people put generosity and compassion for others on full display for the world to see through your matching contributions.”
The partnership with Thirst Project is expected to continue at all three HOA events in 2027.
“We are so excited for what the future holds in our partnership,” Brown said. “I can not wait to be at all three events in 2027, sharing the love for others through HOA.”