The Sahel region is one of the harshest places on earth to live. We can do something to change that!

My birthday is around the corner. I don't usually ask for presents, but this year I've decided to make an exception. I'm asking all my friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it, instead of giving me gifts.

Did you know that almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean drinking water? Every day, 1,400 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. 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.

100% of every dollar you donate to my birthday campaign will be used to build clean water projects in developing countries. charity: water funds their operating costs separately through a group of private donors, so 100% of all public donations will go directly to people in need. You don't have to donate my age (36 years) in dollars, you can donate as little as $1, $5 or $10, as well. All donations are appreciated in any amount.

This charity is particularly special to me as my father-in-law was born in Mali where some of the clean water projects in the Sahel region are being installed.

Help me make this birthday my best ever -- donate to my campaign!

Love you all,
Beth