On April 27, I'm turning 40 years old.

At first, this seemed surreal, even scary.

But then I remembered that millions of people don't even live to see their 5th birthday. Why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water. A very basic fundamental thing.. and they don't have access.

So I'm not scared of turning 40 anymore. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday like never before.

I'm asking for $40 (or whatever you can give, even if it's $5 .. I'm turning 40 so $40 is a fun idea but even $5 will help!) from everyone I know - and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund freshwater wells in developing nations. Even better, every dollar is "proved" when the projects are complete, and photos and GPS coordinates are posted using Google Earth.

My goal is to raise $500 by my birthday, April 27.

Please consider helping me in this project that means so much to me. Many of you know that I believe in clean water and I believe in donations made in other peoples names. Some of you have received presents from me that were actually donations in your name.

It would mean a great deal to me to meet this goal for my birthday.