I love any reason to celebrate, and my birthday is no different. As many of you know, I've been "giving up" my birthday the last few years and in lieu of presents, asking family and friends to donate the money instead to a worthy cause. I'd like to say it was all altruism, but I'm getting old and can't remember where I put half my stuff anymore. And living in a New York apartment does not exactly accommodate hoarding.

But seriously, I am thankful for so much in my life and would love nothing more than to celebrate my birthday by asking family and friends to join me in donating money as a gift to others. No presents, no dinners out, but donating that money instead. This year, I am initiating a birthday campaign with charity: water because I believe strongly in their vision of bringing clean water to marginalized communities in India. For those who have little to begin with and whose health is of the utmost importance in maintaining work and income, clean water means something. Clean water changes everything.

So I'm asking you to join in this campaign and give a contribution of my age in dollars; this is where growing older is actually good. But you are also welcome to give any amount of your choosing. Every penny of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. 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 know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

Thank you all for being part of the many blessings I am thankful for. I invite you to share our gifts with others.