March 15 was my birthday (beware the Ides of March), and instead of presents or Facebook well-wishes I just want to rally my friends to help me build a well in Ethiopia through charity: water. Originally I was thinking of setting a $4,000 goal because it's a nice round number for a 40th, but since $10k builds an entire well and can change the lives of a whole village, I thought let's go for it.

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'm asking everyone to give $40 (again, round numbers), but anything you can give is a huge help. And I know a lot of my friends can give even more generously. :)

100% of the money we donate will be used to build the well. charity: water takes nothing off the top for overhead and staff, because they raise those funds separately. When our well is complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

It'll make a huge difference in a lot of lives. And I can't think of a better thing to do to celebrate a big birthday. Will you join me and donate? Please?