As I write this, there are but a few remaining hours of my 49th year. I am awestruck by how blessed I am. I've lived a comfortable life -- especially when compared with the majority of the people on this planet. And I'm am very aware of the choices -- sometimes big and sometimes small -- that countless others have made before me which allowed me to have this life.

Thankfully, I have NEVER wanted for basic things like food, water, and shelter. Many of us have no idea what it's like to be thirsty. We have plenty of water to drink -- even the water in our toilets is clean!

But many people around the world don’t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. 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.

I don't remember the last time I willingly celebrated my birthday (decades?), despite the best efforts of my family and closest friends. However, this year I started this fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of water projects around the world, and I'm looking to you -- my family and friends around the world -- to help make it happen.

I have experienced the awesome camraderie everyone feels when a group of individuals come together and contribute to something bigger than themselves. I have also experienced the personal joy that comes in being able to have a positive impact on someone in need. So, in celebration of my 50 trips around the sun, I'm inviting you to help me help 50 people gain access to clean water.

Please consider donating to the campaign -- anything you can give is a huge help. And if you're not in a position to give financially right now, please take a moment to share this campaign with your family and friends, too.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped. 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. For those of you who care, your donations are tax-deductible, too.

With Sincere Gratitude and Love,
Paul