I'm not usually excited about getting older, but this year I'm really thankful to have lived another happy, healthy year. I learned far too long ago that millions of kids around the world don't live to see their fifth birthday because they don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. We can help change that.

I feel strongly about this charity so I've asked my family to donate in lieu of traditional gifts this year and thought maybe other friends might see the value of this charity and be interested in donating as well. 100% of the money we raise will directly fund water projects around the world, and when those projects are complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the impact we made. I can't think of a better birthday gift.

Thanks for any donation no matter the size; I'll be ecstatic to raise $1.