Instead of coming to a bar to buy me drinks for my birthday, how about buying clean water for people who need it? It's more rewarding, healthier, and involves zero cab fare!

I'm "donating" my 26th birthday to charity : water, a nonprofit that provides clean drinking water to those in need. As causes go, access to clean water is so basic, so important, and too often overlooked.

The suggested donation is $26--yes, I'm admitting I'm older than 25, for charity--but I'd appreciate anything at all! Even $5, the cost of a cheap NYC beer, would be a big help.

Thanks so much!
Alex

Side note for nerds like me who care about this stuff: Your donations will be used well. The charity has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator--the nonprofit says 100% of the funds go to water projects, since operating costs are funded by private donors. Charity Navigator says 84% (unclear whether they include the private donors in that). But either way, that's a good ratio, and means that a big chunk of change goes directly toward providing clean water to developing countries.