On my 30th birthday, it's not about me...

This year, I'm giving my birthday up.

I'm turning 30 and instead of asking for gifts or going clubbing, I'm asking for $30 or more from people that have given to me in the past. The money will not go to me though. All of it is going to build freshwater wells for people in developing nations. If you were thinking of getting me a gift or buying me a drink or bottle at the club, I encourage you to donate to charity: water instead.

A Dose of Reality:
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 (well at least not this year...lol); it's to give clean and safe drinking water to some of the billion living without it. I want to make my birthday matter. It's not about me this year. It's about giving to others less fortunate.

I understand that giving to a charity can be a very personal decision. I myself researched several organizations before I settled on one. Rest assured that I have (as best as I can) vetted charity: water. I believe in their mission; believe that water can provide the basis of better living for people in developing countries.

If, for whatever reason, you don't feel comfortable donating to charity: water for my birthday, I encourage you to donate your time or money to a charity that is dear to you.

Get to know charity: water and discover what they are all about. Explore their site... Google them... I am hopeful that in the end, you will give to them. 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.

If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me.

Please join me.

Thank you for giving.

GABB
Born October 29, 1979