Water Connects Us

Draft Art for Water banner_2026

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

5:00 – 8:00 PM
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:

  • Artistic and interactive experiences
  • Opportunities to connect with Freshwater supporters, partners, and community leaders
  • A celebration of Freshwater’s mission and impact

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

Ticket registration and additional event details will be announced soon.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Mission-aligned sponsorship opportunities are currently available for organizations and partners interested in supporting the event and Freshwater’s work. 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.
Whether you are a long-time supporter or newly connected to Freshwater, you’ll be part of a shared experience designed to inspire, connect, and move our work forward.
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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.

Thanks to our organizational sponsors!

Thank you for protecting water!