On April 9th, I'm going to be turning 21. This year I’d like to celebrate my birthday by doing something like never before, where YOU can help make a change, and see tangible results. Don't do it for me, do it for the MILLIONS suffering RIGHT NOW.

About a year ago I was attending a church service where I heard some thought provoking, and startling facts. It was mid service, I had heard enough, my mind was made up, I wanted to get involved, and help make a change, but how?

The presentation was done by Charity: Water, a remarkable, non-profit organization that has shone light onto this subtle, but mammoth sized issue. After hearing things like, "Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause more deaths each year than all forms of violence, including war", and "90% of the 30,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions are of children under five years old", my heart was taken captive, and the desire to help was ignited. One of the many ways they suggest you can help make a difference is by giving up your birthday.

So rather than just doing a party like I have in the past, I decided to do something that I think is far more fulfilling. I am celebrating my birthday like never before, by giving it up for something more important, and far greater than myself. All I’m asking of you is a donation of $21, my age, to this just cause, and join me in seeing a true difference worth celebrating.

100% of the money raised is directed to fund clean water projects in developing nations. Plus, Charity: Water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (takes approx 18 months). That means we'll be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to hit at least $1500 by my birthday, which is on April 9th, one month away(the campaign will be open for longer though). A single well costs $5000 dollars to construct; practically this means a three hour daily walk with an 80lb jug becomes 15 minutes, allowing kids to attend school, women to grow gardens for food and profit, and waterborne diseases are dramatically reduced through sanitation training the village receives.

Please donate, whether that amount is $21 or more, and ask your friends to as well (even if they don’t know me). Remember, we aren’t doing this for me; we’re doing it for the millions of human beings who have no other options. This little request truly will go a long way.

Thanks for listening.

Also: For more info on what Charity: Water is all about, and other questions & FAQs, check out their website at http://www.charitywater.org, even if you choose not to donate.