On December 19, I'm turning 29.

It's a bit crazy. I've very nearly been on this planet for three decades. As I look around, I see so many people concerned about getting ahead and accumulating more. Meanwhile, children around the world don't reach their 5th birthday because they lack access to something as simple as clean, safe water. More people die each year from dirty water and poor sanitation than from all forms of violence, including war.

Last December, my first daughter was born. Over the past year, as a family, we've had so much fun together and I can't imagine losing her to something as simple as a lack of access to water. This year, I've resolved to do something about this for other parents.

To celebrate my birthday and to help those who truly need it, I'm asking for monetary donations from everyone I know -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to raise $200 by my birthday, December 19. But I'm challenging you to do even more. Donate whatever you want. With donations from all my friends and family, $200 would be great and $2,000 even better. Give what you feel is best.

Please join me and help make my birthday count. God bless you!