In my junior year at Penn State, I lay witness to one of the more interesting "turning 21" drinking parties. This was the type of party that had everyone talking, including the school newspaper. In fact, it was even getting lots of endorsements from groups and organizations around campus. The most interesting thing was that not one drop of alcohol was served. Every person was encouraged to make a suggested donation of $10 upon admission to the house party and nothing was served except water. There were awareness posters around the house and even a slideshow/DVD playing on the TV screen. Every dollar that was raised went directly to water projects around the world. We had a good time, wrote stories, and created memories. From that moment, the issue of safe and clean drinking water has been a global issue that has resonated with my pathos.

This year, I am doing something that is very similar. April 18 is my birthday and I will be turning 23. Instead of gifts, I am asking people to give the gift that provides sustainability. I am hoping that 23 people will make donations of $23, to bring a grand total of $529. Calculations say that $20 brings water to one person for life, so we will be able to forever impact and change 26 lives (5 families) through this birthday campaign. Charity:water sends 100% of its fundraised dollars to the field and even assigns GPS coordinates on GoogleMaps so that you can see where your donation has its impact.

I have been very blessed in the most recent years of my life. I feel that I have been blessed in order that I may be a blessing to others, equipping them to do the same. I appreciate you taking the opportunity to learn about this issue with me.