Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. 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.

And for the sixth year in a row, I'm looking for your help.

THE BACKSTORY

When November rolled around five years ago, I had a nasty playoff beard on my face (thanks to the Cardinals). It seemed like waste to just shave it off. So instead, after a bit of encouragement from friends, I decided to donate my face for clean water.

And for the last five years you all have blown me away. The outpouring of generosity and love has been overwhelming. Together these last five years, we've raised over $9,100 to help bring clean, safe drinking water to people all over the world.

Now let's do it again!

THE GROWTH

Here's the deal - I'm going to grow my beard for the rest of November. At that point it'll be shaggy, nasty, and ready to be molded in whatever crazy pattern you can dream up.

THE SHAVE

At the end of November, I'm going to shave this gnarly beard into some crazy design. That's where you come in. Everyone that donates to this campaign will be entered into a random drawing. No donation is too small. If you give, you're in the running. On December 1 I'll select one donor at random to pick how I shave my beard. As long as what you suggest isn't offensive, I'm in.

Here's the original lightning design from 2012 (courtesy of Ms. Liz Stapleton Wheeler): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1000910909382

And 2013's patchy mess (thanks to the man, the myth, the legend Phil Sholts): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100335070477902

And here are the starburns of 2014 (dreamed up by the visionary known as Molly Needelman): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100592091321072

And then in 2015 we introduced glitter into the mix (thanks to the one and only Michael Rosen): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100899245067502

And last year, my own father got in on the action by keeping things simple but ensuring I'd get plenty of double takes: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101216515849312

EVERY DONOR ADDS TIME

Not only are you bringing safe, clean water to people that really need it, but the number of donations will determine how long after November I wear the crazy beard around town. For each person that donates, I'll wear the beard for an additional hour. So 24 donors means an additional day. 168 donors would be a full week. It's up to you all.

I'll wear it to work. I'll wear it around town. And as long as I'm wearing the beard, I'll change my Facebook photo to showcase its glory. That way you can see it if you aren't around St. Louis.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If donating isn't for you, I totally understand. Please help in whatever way feels right for you.

Help spread the word. Or watch some of the amazing videos around this website. Or make a donation to another charity. Or just tell someone that's special to you why they're amazing. There are a lot of ways to do a bit of good. If this one feels right to you, I'd love for you to be a part of it.

You all are the best. Thanks for reading.

David

* If I don't have your contact info or a way of getting in touch with you, please leave me a Twitter handle or email address. If you're selected I want to be able to reach out.