Securing Water the World Over?

Darryl’s Journey??

In the challenging landscape of global water access, some people fearlessly stride toward the summit of change. Among them is Darryl Clark, associate partner and?corporate vice president for Wallace Eannace Associates. Whether it’s mentoring youth or raising funds for the homeless, he tackles problems head-on with unwavering determination.?

An encounter with Patrick Decker, former Xylem CEO, led to Darryl and his son Elijah, a member of the U.S. military, crossing paths with Chris Long, a former NFL player and the visionary behind the Chris Long Foundation and its Waterboys initiative. Their mission? To work with?communities to solve their water challenges.?

Darryl and Elijah embarked on a plan: they would join the Waterboys on an expedition to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro through their Conquering Kili program. More than just a physical challenge, it was a climb fueled by purpose, to help those who lacked access to one of life’s most essential resources.??

This was about more than a mountain; it was about raising vital funds to help local communities. Darryl applied his trademark determination to spreading the word of his mission and people responded - to date, the team of climbers has raised enough to fund a full deep borehole well.?

Scaling new heights??

Their training regime included daily 8-mile hikes. Inspired by the legendary Iceman Wim Hof, they practiced breathwork, fortifying their lungs for the thin air awaiting them at high altitudes.??

The preparation paid off. On a grueling climb in deteriorating weather, with wind and snow adding to the challenge, Darryl and Elijah headed to the summit. They pushed each other to keep setting the pace, to keep climbing upwards. Despite the cold and the wind, they proudly stood together at the highest point in Africa. Darryl even had the energy for a celebratory push-up.??

Pushing out of the comfort zone?

As they headed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the only water they had was what they could carry with them.?As Darryl climbed, he reflected on the stark reality for millions in East Africa, who walk miles upon miles every day just to get the water they need to survive, often in extreme weather.?

The mountain became a metaphor—a challenge mirroring the uphill battle faced by communities far below where freshwater access, a privilege often taken for granted, is many miles away.??

Darryl’s climb is also a testament to the difference an individual can make. His efforts raised funds to provide vital access to clean water, such as to a local Maasai group that he danced and sang alongside as they celebrated the simple joy of clean water.??

We celebrate Darryl— a catalyst for change, pushing out of his comfort zone to make a difference. His collaboration with Waterboys and Xylem Watermark is transforming lives. Thousands of dollars donated, bridging gaps in East African communities.??