Birthdays have always been about gifts, but I've realized I have everything I could possibly need. So this year, I'm giving up my birthday.

I'm turning 47 years old, and instead of asking for gifts, I'm asking for $470 or more from everyone I know. It's not going to me, though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations.

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. 45,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won't, but still walk hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.

I am a fan of Adam Lambert and have been inspired by his music, generosity, and spirit of giving. He gave up his birthday this year and raised a phenominal amount of money to provide clean water to those without it. So, I wanted to do my part.

My birthday wish this year is not for more gifts I don't need; it's to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it. I want to make my birthday matter this year.

Please join me.

please note: Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations are tax deductible and go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete.