On September 6th, local nonprofit No More Under hosted its second annual Ripples of Hope fundraiser at Mercer Island’s Funny Farm. The evening was one to remember—filled with connection, inspiring stories, and heartfelt recognition of community members who have made a lifesaving difference.

Guests gathered not only to celebrate but to take action. With proceeds dedicated to advancing water safety and swimming education, every donation made that night will help continue spreading the lifesaving skill of swimming to children who need it most.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifesaver Awards, honoring influential community members who are championing water safety. Actor, author, and philanthropist Hill Harper helped spotlight these local heroes, reminding attendees that every effort to create safer, more equitable access to water makes waves of impact far beyond our neighborhoods.

“No More Under’s mission has always been about more than swim lessons,” said founder Chezik Tsunoda. “It’s about creating a world where every child has the chance to feel safe in the water. Ripples of Hope is our biggest fundraiser of the year and truly helps us expand our reach to communities across the country.”

That reach is already making a difference. Proceeds from the event will fund free swim lessons for youth in underrepresented and under-resourced communities. They will also support No More Under’s growing national initiative that empowers collegiate swimmers to teach lifesaving water skills to children—a model that builds mentorship, skill-sharing, and community resilience.

The need is urgent. For generations, systemic and financial barriers have prevented many families—especially in Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities—from accessing swim education. These inequities have led to disproportionately high drowning rates across the U.S. But as Ripples of Hope proved, change is possible when a community comes together with passion and purpose.

No More Under is determined to “change the tide,” and events like this demonstrate what’s possible when philanthropic leaders, changemakers, and everyday neighbors unite behind a common cause.

To learn more, get involved, or make a donation, follow @nomoreunder on social media or visit www.nomoreunder.org. Every act of support helps build a future where all children can safely enjoy the water—and where every splash truly creates a ripple of positive change.