So here's where I'm supposed to write something about why I want you to help... Here's the thing, I like bottles of scotch and sunglasses, but as many of you know I've had many of each already. Once upon a time I got an email from a "fan" who wanted to reach out and tell me what he was doing, working on a Mercy Ship off the coast of Africa...a year or so later, I was reading about how he was starting a charity, and only a few years later he and his team is changing the lives of people around the world in a way that humbles me. That's what's so great about the Web, we're so much closer now, that we can all see each other. Scott Harrison understood that and has helped to bring us closer still, by making productive charity so much easier. He created Charity Water, my favorite charity, and it's my honor to tag along a little this year by following his example and donating my birthday to raising money for a well in Africa (or wherever they see fit). Please give something, or at the very least read more about this remarkable charity that is changing the way money works for good by making donations more direct and transparent. I think you'll be moved by the possibility of helping others so easily. I love you all. Don't be strangers!

OK, back to form letter:

This year, I'm giving my birthday up.

I'm turning [a'hem] years old, and instead of asking for gifts, I'm asking for $[let's say 40, shall we?] or more 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.

A billion people in the world are living without clean water - but how much are they really living? Millions contract deadly diseases from contaminated water. 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.

My birthday wish this year is not for more gifts I don't need; it's to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it. I want to make my birthday matter this year.

Please join me.

please note: Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to direct water projects costs, and each donation is "proved" and tracked to the village it helped when projects are complete.

Hey, it's me again. Pretty cool, right?
Perhaps you've given already to another campaign...so do it again!