On April 24, I'm turning 34 <shudder>.

At first, this seemed surreal, even daunting.

But then I found out that millions of people don't live to see their fifth birthdays. And why? Because they don't have access to clean, safe water.

So I'm glad to be turning 34. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday like never before.

I'm asking for $34 from everyone I know -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations. 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 be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to raise $250 by my birthday, April 24.

Please join me to make this birthday count. Hey guys!

I've never done this before but it's something that's been brought to my attention by my friend, Amy Russell. Amy is walking across Africa to raise money and awareness about the lack of clean water in the world. The least we can do is donate a few dollars to help get clean water to more people. So dig deep, and think about how easy it is for us to get clean water for drinking, bathing and cooking and donate! It may be my birthday, but let's give them the present.