My birthday is around the corner, and I'm giving it away. And I'm asking you to help me do it. On a snow day this past winter, Jack and I watched a video of Scott Harrison's presentation about his story and the charity he founded called "charity:water." [you can see or read about it at: http://www.charitywater.org/about/scotts_story.php]. Jack watched the entire 40min video with me, in my lap, without distraction - fully attending and absorbing what we were watching. At the end of the video (as I was wiping my eyes and blowing my nose), Jack spoke these 4 compelling words: "How can we help?"

Jack and I learned that almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Every day, 5,000 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach the age Jack is now (6yrs old). 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. I also learned that Scott Harrison's approach to the problem is like no other I have ever heard about. In the Marketing blogs I follow for my job, he was named one of the most captivating presenters in the world (along with Steve Jobs). I agree. His story is moving, and his solutions are so simple and so inspiring.

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. Also, by signing up to give my birthday, I got to name my campaign (Lucky Water) and anyone who contributes will get to see the real village and the real water source and the real people that this campaign benefits (this charity "closes the loop" for donors - it's not giving that you never see if or what it was ever used for - you get to follow it/will get updates). Even if I only raise $65, I will be able to gift one person with clean drinking water for an entire year. I hope to raise more than that. A year's worth of clean drinking water for 40 people for my 4oth birthday could be accomplished by $2600... (2600 people giving $1 each, 65 people giving $40 each, or any amount in between!).

Help me make this birthday my best ever -- donate to my campaign! If you choose not to donate then please - "be good to each other - then go out and do good in the world" - in whatever form that takes. Thanks for your time and consideration. - Mary Chris