It's that time of the year again...Chi is turning 31. Hurray!

So far my past 8 birthdays have been spent with groups of wonderful friends in 8 different cities (3 continents) and this year, I will be in the vibrant city of Berlin. Every year has been different, yet special and I have received wonderful gifts ranging from bouquets to a Macbook to a gorgeous silver and diamond bracelet for my 30th (thanks girls)!

But the truth is, while I LOVE it all, I really don't need much. I am outrageously blessed! So this year, I'm giving my birthday up. Instead of receiving gifts, cards (even hugs), I'm asking for donations from everyone I know. It's not going to me, though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations via the NGO called Charity:Water.

I chose this charity not only because friends know the Founder and highly recommend it but mainly because you can see how every penny is spent. 100% of all donations go directly to water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete. Pretty good eh?

I choose to spend my birthday this way because in my village back in eastern Nigeria, I have seen people suffer from preventable diseases due to contaminated water. In fact, millions from around the world contract deadly diseases from contaminated water all the time. 45,000 people will die this week alone. The lucky ones won't, but still walk hours each day to get dirty water to give to their families.

Please join me. It means a lot, and remember no donation is too small or too big.... and guess what? The "biggest giver" gets a FREE painting by me!

Thank you so much.

Lot of love,
Chi x