Almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean drinking water. It doesn't have to be that way!

Today I'm celebrating my 61st birthday. Being so close to Christmas, I prefer to let it pass without any hoopla or gifts. But yesterday I learned about an amazing organization called charity: water and it tugged at my heart.

I know everyone is tired of spending money right now but it would be such a wonderful gift if you would join me in helping to give clean water to people who desperately need it.

Almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean drinking water. Every day, 1,400 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

In my sixth decade of life I've never been without clean drinking water and I'm guessing that most of you haven't either. Just think about how lucky we are!

100% of every dollar you donate to my birthday campaign will be used to build clean water projects in developing countries. charity: water funds their operating costs separately through a group of private donors, so 100% of all public donations will go directly to people in need. I think this is remarkable!

It's such an easy way to make a difference. Help me make this birthday my best ever by donating to my campaign. Thank you!

Love,
Barbara