For a couple months now, I have been struggling to find ways to give to people in need, whether a bag of chips on the subway or a dollar here and there to a person in need.

This morning as I was running along the westside of Manhattan, I passed the Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes and thought, "My birthday is later this month. Maybe bowling with a few friends would be a fun way to hit number 38." Well, a couple hours later in church I was listening to a guest speaker, Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, and my heart broke. Bowling no longer seems important.

On August 28th, I'm turning 38. Just a number, right?

Well not exactly. Millions of people in the world don't live to see their 5th birthday because they didn't have access to clean, safe water, something you and I take for granted every day.

I'm not scared of turning 38. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday.

You know me. I am not one to ask for much from the people around me but I encourage you to check out this video and see if you too are inspired to help (http://www.charitywater.org/about/scotts_story.php). This is not some manipulating video of Sally Struthers coughing in a poor, random village. It is an exciting account of how little effort by you and me can help so many in need.

How can you help me? I'm asking for $38 from everyone I know - and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund freshwater wells in developing nations. Even better, every dollar is "proved" when the projects are complete, as well photos and GPS coordinates are posted using Google Earth. What's $38? A nice dinner out? If you can't give $38, please give whatever you can.

My goal is to raise $5,000 by my birthday, August 28th.

Please consider helping me and let me know if you have any questions at all. Thank you!