On November 29th, 2012 I cried at a corporate event.

That's not something I have ever done before. As someone in PR, I've spent almost two decades building my shield around me. Events are meant to drive emotion and action but I'm meant to be pulling the strings, not personally affected.

But that changed when I watched a presentation from Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water. He came and spoke to 500 of the senior leadership team at PayPal. It was an inspirational and incredibly moving speech - hence the tears.

I had no idea that 30,000 people die every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions. Diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.

So I'm listening to this and also thinking about what I want for my 40th birthday. Then Scott mentioned a great idea: Just give up your birthday and ask folks to donate instead of sending gifts (or writing on my Facebook wall). I really truly don't need anything and the idea of asking my friends to help me do something lasting that will help thousands of people start a new, better life instead of getting me a present appealed to me at the most basic level.

Turning 40 is a time for reflection, so much more so than turning 30 (and I only vaguely remember turning 20…).

I've had a very lucky life and have made some amazing friends. I want to give back on my 40th birthday by asking you to help me raise $10,000 that will help 500 people get clean water and that clean water could change everything for them, their children and many generations after.

Every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations.
Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll be able to see the communities we've helped!….and I get a plaque (look it's still my 40th :-)

My goal is to raise the $10,000 by my birthday, December 26th

Please join me to make this birthday count by donating today.