Alright troops. Those of you who know me well know that I don't normally get too excited about birthdays because I don't like being the center of attention. This year though, I'm pretty excited, because I have the opportunity to use that birthday spotlight to help some people who really need it. I recently learned that millions of kids around the world don't live to see their fifth birthday because they don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. We can help change that.

For my 24th birthday, my goal is to raise enough money to provide clean water for a family of five (just like my own wonderful family!). Every penny of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. 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 know the locations and names of the communities we helped. Pretty awesome.

So, if you were planning on getting me a birthday gift this year, or want to make my birthday a little extra special, please consider donating to my page. Donate 1$, donate 5 billion dollars, whatever you can spare. It will make you feel good (plus) and it would mean the world to me, and even more (the universe probably) to the people we end up helping. It would be fantastic to reach my goal, and SUPER fantastic to raise even more! In the words of the Captain, thank you all in advance for doing something awesome right now :)

Photo courtesy of my lovely and talented sister :)