Passersby of the Bibb Graves Quad on the campus of Troy University on Saturday may have seen an odd sight. More than 70 participants in the first annual WOD for Water event lifted Jerry Cans and learned about the Crossfit training regimen, but most importantly were giving to a good cause.

WOD (Workout of the Day) for Water was organized to not only educate people about the benefits of personal fitness, specifically the Crossfit-style workout, but also raise money to build clean water wells in Third World countries through an organization called NeverThirst.

Jason Jones, a member of WOD for Water of Troy, said the results were very heartening. The event, which had a set a goal of 50 participants and $10,000, far exceeded organizers expectations raising $15,800 with the help of more than 73 contributors.

“It could not have gone any better,” Jones said. “We were able to help build six wells instead of the four we had hoped for.”

Each new well costs $2,500 to $3,000 and can supply clean drinking water to 160 people for 20 years.

The workouts were customized for each participant by filling the Jerry Cans to his or her desired weight from 40 pounds to empty.

“It was two-fold. For people who are not familiar with Crossfit, they can see the kind of workout we do and take that and apply it in their everyday lives,” Jones said. “Also, they can do more research about NeverThirst and give to them $5 or $10 a month and help raise awareness for NeverThirst and the work they do.”

Jones said he received positive feedback about the event and representative from NeverThirst, a Birmingham based organization, took note of the things that worked in Troy and plan to apply them to future events.

“As soon as we finished, we began making a list of things we want to do better next year,” Jones said.

For more information about WOD for Water of Troy and NeverThirst visit www.wodforwatertroy.com