Hi there.

As many of you know, and some of you may not, Heather had a rather significant birthday this year. I won't mention exactly which one because she wasn't so thrilled about it. I will, however, say it was the one that typically follows your 39th birthday and comes before your 41st. A day as significant in someone's life as this begs for an equally significant celebration. Unfortunately, Heather and I were experiencing perhaps the busiest time in our lives and she made me promise that I wouldn't try to heap even more thing on by trying to plan some sort of surprise party. (Phew!)

But, now that we're a few months out and things are a bit more under control, I've been wracking my brain trying to think what would be the most meaningful thing that I could do for her. I ended up going back to the basics and just trying to think about what makes Heather such a special person. When I did that, the one thing that stood out above all was her incredible heart, and endless generosity. I've witnessed it time and time again. When Heather sees an opportunity to do for others, she does, without hesitation.

So it occurred to me that perhaps the best way to honor her giving spirit was to celebrate it by following its example. That's where this charity comes in. Heather has been particularly inspired by what they have accomplished and I know she will be pleased beyond words if we can come together to make this massive difference in people's, in her name.

With our adopting a child from Ethiopia next year, this will be a very satisfying gesture to the continent that will be contributing something so incredibly meaningful to our lives as well.

I know these are challenging financial times, so whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated. Once we reach our goal I will be organizing some sort of low-key celebration to tell her what we've accomplished. Those of you in other parts of the country/world, I will find a way to share the moment so you can see her smile touch each ear and the tears of joy pour down her face.

Thank you all in advance for that Heather-like generosity.

-Rolyn