An Evening of Art, Connection, and Water
Join Freshwater for an inspiring evening along the Mississippi River celebrating the power of water to connect people, communities, and ideas.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Mississippi Crossings Event Center, Champlin, Minnesota
This year’s Water Connects Us event will feature an Art for Water theme—exploring how creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences can deepen our connection to water and the role we all play in protecting it. Guests will experience a thoughtfully curated evening featuring:
- Artist-led and interactive experiences
- Meaningful conversation with Freshwater supporters, partners, artists, and community leaders
- Heavy appetizers, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
- A silent auction with unique items and experiences in support of Freshwater’s mission
- A memorable celebration of the power of water to connect people, communities, and ideas
Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River, the event is designed to bring together longtime supporters and new voices alike for a memorable and meaningful evening in support of Freshwater's work to value and protect water across Minnesota and beyond.
Ticket Information
Join Freshwater for a memorable evening along the Mississippi River in support of clean water, community connection, and Freshwater’s mission. Ticket options are available for individuals, pairs, and small groups. Visit the registration page here to purchase your tickets.
We want Water Connects Us to be accessible to people who care about water and community. If the ticket price is a barrier, please contact Jaron Cramer at jcramer@freshwater.org to request a reduced-cost or complimentary ticket. We especially welcome inquiries from artists, students, community organizers, and emerging leaders.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship of Water Connects Us is a meaningful way to support Freshwater’s mission to inspire and empower people to value and protect water. Your partnership helps Freshwater bring together donors, partners, artists, water professionals, civic leaders, and community collaborators around one of our most essential shared resources: water.
This year's sponsorship opportunities are intentionally tied to meaningful guest experiences — including artistic moments, interactive activities, riverfront gathering spaces, and community access. Recognition is designed to feel intentional, values-driven, and naturally integrated into the evening.
Sponsors can expect visibility with:
- 120+ event attendees
- 10,000+ email subscribers
- 5,000+ social followers
- Freshwater supporters, organizational partners, artists, water professionals, civic leaders, and community collaborators
Sponsorship Levels
- Presenting Partner — $7,500: Lead sponsor of the full Water Connects Us experience.
- Featured Experience Partner — $5,000: Supports a signature artistic, storytelling, or performance feature.
- Interactive Art Partner — $2,500: Supports hands-on, artist-led experiences.
- River Connection Partner — $1,000: Supports the overall guest experience along the Mississippi River.
- Community Access Partner — $500: Supports broader participation and accessibility, including attendance for students, artists, community leaders, and others connected to Freshwater’s mission.
View the sponsorship packet or reserve your sponsorship online.
To learn more, please contact: Jaron Cramer, Director of Philanthropy, at jcramer@freshwater.org or (651) 313-5807
We hope you’ll join us for a memorable evening along the river’s edge!
About Water Connects Us
Water Connects Us is Freshwater’s annual benefit, bringing together a community of supporters, partners, and emerging voices for an evening of connection, creativity, and shared commitment to protecting water.
This year's event, rooted in our Art for Water initiative, will highlight Freshwater’s role at the intersection of water stewardship, community engagement, and culture. Through a thoughtfully designed experience, Water Connects Us invites guests to explore how water shapes our lives and how we can work together to sustain it.
Who This Event Brings Together
Water Connects Us is designed for people who care about water and want to be part of what comes next. This event is a great fit for:
Individuals who are passionate about clean water and community impact.
Donors and supporters interested in learning more about Freshwater’s work.
Corporate and organizational partners exploring collaboration around water and sustainability.
Leaders and professionals working across water, environmental, and public health fields.
Artists, educators, and advocates interested in the intersection of water, culture, and community.
Thanks to our organizational sponsors!
