*If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change...* -"Man in the Mirror," by Michael Jackson.

About a week ago, someone asked me what I wanted for my birthday. The truth is, I can't think of any things that I really want and need. I'm not fabulously wealthy, but I know that I am blessed with a comfortable life, and amazing family and friends.

However, there are many people who hardly have the basics to survive. So this year, instead of asking people to donate to the cause of "me, myself, and I," I'd love for you to help me in giving to those in much greater need.

I'm turning 27 years old and instead of asking for gifts, I'm asking for $27 (or whatever you can give) from everyone I know to donate to "charity:water." All of it is going to build freshwater projects for people in developing countries.

Almost a billion people in the world are living without clean water -- but how much are they really living? Millions contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. 30,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won't, but still have to walk hours each day to get dirty water for their families.

I know there are only two weeks left until my birthday, so let's start with a relatively small goal of $500. Any more raised, of course, would help even more people, and put an even bigger smile on my face.

The best part: 100% of all donations go directly toward water projects. And about 18 months after this campaign ends, charity: water will show us where and how every dollar we raised ended up helping in the field. We'll see GPS coordinates, photos and more details about the communities we've impacted.

Please join me, and thank you in advance! -Cristina