This year I'm turning 50, and I've decided to celebrate my birthday a little differently. I don't want presents or drinks, or even Dad's strawberry cake. But I'd really like to make a difference in somebody else's life--and I hope you'll consider helping.

Women and children around the world walk hours every day to collect water for their families. The water they collect is unclean and can make them sick, but they have no alternative. Charity: water works with local communities and contractors to provide clean drinking water. And every cent contributed by me or you goes to that work. Every cent.

The coolest part is that when the project we fund is complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the impact we made.

Would you consider contributing to this great initiative? If we raise $5,000, we can provide clean drinking water to 500 people! You and me. What a gift.