Many of us have no idea what it's like to be thirsty. We have plenty of water to drink -- even the water in our toilets is clean!

But many people around the world don’t have that luxury. 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.

Last year, I donated my birthday to the cause of bringing clean water to those who have access to none. It was one of the most thrilling times and, hands down, my favorite birthday. There's something about living for something bigger than yourself that creates so much excitement and wonder. Together we raised $1,899.00 in a few short months (check out the link: https://my.charitywater.org/samantha_mehr/charity-birthday).

I wanted to do it again almost because I felt like I had received an invitation to do so. (As if Jesus said, "Let's go bigger.") I realize that I'm giving you one more reason to give your money when so many of you are already so generous, but I think this is about so much more giving our money/time/birthday for a cause. Changing the world starts with believing that we can. And, so much of the time, that looks like changing our perspective and changing the way we do many regular things -- like, celebrating birthdays. The money that you might typically spend on a card or gift: I invite you to give it, instead.

I'm asking you to help me raise $2,000 for beautiful people whom we have never met (and may not ever meet). But, I imagine that they are some of the most wonderful, beautful people -- just like you.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.