-- Faux machine turns spotlight onto Wine to Water, a charity tackling the global water and sanitation crisis

NEW YORK, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet sensation the "Miracle Machine", the first affordable wine making device for the home, is not a real device – it is just a piece of wood. The fictitious miracle, fronted by wine entrepreneurs Kevin Boyer and Philip James of CustomVine, has generated extensive media coverage around the world since its unveiling nearly two weeks ago. The disruptive program concept was initiated as a pro-bono campaign to support not-for-profit 'Wine to Water', an organization that provides people around the world with access to clean water, one of life's basic necessities.

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In just under two weeks, the Miracle Machine went viral with over 500 million media impressions as more than 200,000 people watched the Miracle Machine video, nearly 600 media outlets around the world covered the story, 6,000 people tweeted about it, and 7,000 people signed up for a potential crowd-funding platform to invest in the faux machine.

The water crisis and poor sanitation affects more than 2.5 billion people around the world, with women and children suffering the most. Shockingly, one child dies every 22 seconds. To date, Wine to Water has provided more than 250,000 people in 17 countries with access to clean drinking water.

"Almost two million children die each year from contaminated water and poor sanitation," said James. "The miracle of turning water to wine might remain out of reach, but Wine to Water has shown that the real miracle of providing clean water is easily within our grasp," he added. "The decision to put our wine credentials on the line and get involved was an easy one," said Boyer. "While many of us like to enjoy a fine glass of wine, too many people around the world cannot enjoy a clean glass of water, and that's unacceptable," he added.

For one dollar, Wine to Water can provide clean water for one person for an entire year. Using a variety of water filters and wells, Wine to Water is changing lives at a fraction of the $499 price tag for the faux machine that so many were willing to buy or invest in.  "For the cost of a bottle of fine wine, we provide a way to produce 99.9% pure drinking water to a family for up to five years and THAT is the true miracle.  There is no life without water," says Doc Hendley, the founder of Wine to Water.    

"The Wine community has been a long-term supporter of Wine to Water by sponsoring an array of wine tasting events with the proceeds being donated to those in need," says Boyer.  "We cannot express how grateful we are for the attention our industry has given The Miracle Machine.  However, what we need to do now is shift that attention from the Miracle Machine to the clean water and sanitation cause and support Doc and his devoted team."

In celebration of World Water Month and World Water Day on Saturday, March 22, Wine to Water is asking Miracle Machine enthusiasts to turn wine into water and save lives by purchasing a commemorative bottle of 'Miracle Machine' Wine that CustomVine has created exclusively for Winetowater.org.  Supporters can also take immediate action and make a quick and simple donation by texting "MIRACLE" to 27722 (United States residents only).

Please visit www.themiraclemachine.net or www.WinetoWater.org to purchase your own Wine to Water Miracle Wine, make a donation or to be a part of the movement.

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SOURCE Wine to Water