On 5/6/1984, I was born... and I'm still alive... and healthy!!... which means that I have been blessed over and over and over again with clean sanitary water and much more. So, a long time ago I decided that I would give up my birthday this year for this campaign with the hopes that not only will many people benefit from clean drinking water who didn't have it before, but that it would open up opportunities to better themselves in all aspects of life; and for you, that after you donate here you would be inspired to go and start a campaign of your own! :) So whether you donate $5.60 or $56,000, know that you are making a humongous difference and that I personally will be super excited for your participation and heart for these people! Blessings, Luke
P.S. "Giving up my birthday" means that if you planned on sending me a gift this year, please, please, please buy me a donation here! And let me know so that I can thank you for your gift!

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How this all started:
Well, about a year ago, knowing that I wanted to tackle the issue of poverty at its root cause (i.e. in order to have the biggest and most lasting effect), I somehow came to the realization that the three biggest causes of poverty are war, famine and lack of sanitary water. And so I decided that the water issue was unacceptable (my brother's commencement speaker even made that statement her entire speech) and so went to go give to the water project funds of my favorite organizations... but then thought "I wonder if there are any organizations that do a better or at least a more extensive job at tackling this issue...." And that's how my quest began. I found many, many organizations that touched the issue (every organization touches on the issue since it is, of course, the biggest humanitarian issue), and some were doing a decent job. But then I came across this site, and after spending a little time went to close the page and put it out of my mind forever because I thought "It must be phony". I thought this because the website was waaaay too nice and Web 3.0-ish. Com'on - whos ever seen a sleek looking charity organization's website that focuses on just one issue and nothing else and who has a team made up of rich people from NYC and where half the team seems to be web designers and the other half are graphic designers?? It must be a hoax... unless... could it be?? So I went back and checked the entire site and videos out thoroughly and to my amazement, they are for real! And they do an excellent job too! Talk about creativity and ambition! I'm sold, and still am :)

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Something to think about, or at least I do:
So whenever I think about this issue and the stark reality of it, I think "wow, I have SOOOOOO much and have it SOOOOO nice", like for instance, "I get breakfast!!! WITH milk??!" or "I have a soft pillow??!" or "I have a car? - And its mine, I don't have to share??!" So, I've realized how even when I don't think what I say or think is a complaint, that a lot of the times it actually is. I don't want to complain anymore.