What I’d like for my Birthday

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Yup – that’s right…this is crass…I’m telling all of you it’s my birthday and I want presents…lots and lots of presents.  I’m totally serious about this.

It’s my birthday this week – February 12th – and I will be 41 years old.

Since 2006, I haven’t had a big birthday party …which is a bit depressing because I love a good party. In fact, even last year, for my 40th birthday party, I didn’t have a party – instead, I was trapped in South Dakota in a snowstorm.

However, this year I’m asking for presents.  I’d like each and every one of you to support my charity project this year and donate money for my birthday present. Let me change that…I’d like you to support my first-ever charity project.

The Mongol Rally 2011

The Mongol Rally is the ultimate road trip from London, England, to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia.

In July 2011, 3 other crazy travel bloggers and I set out on a 10,000-mile journey to Mongolia. This is no fluff press trip…this is us against the open road, in a vehicle that is not meant to be driven to the lengths that we intend to drive it.

Crossing 10,000 miles over unforgiving deserts, perilous mountain ranges, and non-existent roads, we four intrepid travelers will face the possibility of bandits, breakdowns, and corruption while navigating our way through 15 countries and two continents.

Why? – All for a Cause

The Mongol Rally isn’t just a way for me to try to top my latest adventure. During the course of our journey, we will raise money for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, a charity that helps homeless and abandoned children of Mongolia.

Not only that, but we will also donate our vehicle to Adventures for Development at the end of the rally. They will then decide where it will best be utilized in the country.  We are attempting to raise enough money to purchase an ambulance, as we know that emergency vehicles are needed in Mongolia, and we want to make an impact with our donation. 

Why should you give me a birthday present?

Let’s just start with  – it’s a good, rewarding thing to do;  helping people, especially kids, around the world.

But if you need more…

If you are a friend:

You’ve had 5 years where you haven’t had to get me a gift…not one. If I had been home in the US during those 5 years, we would have had parties, there would have been expensive dinners and drinks, and there would have been a few gifts. I’m not asking for much – and isn’t giving a donation to an event that will change people’s lives better than buying a fancy dinner that lasts only one night?

If you are a reader of Ottsworld

You’ve been reading this blog for 4 ½ years, hopefully being entertained, and never once have I asked for monetary support or other charity events for myself. Consider it payment for being entertained, I suppose. I don’t want to be one of those people who are always asking every year for donations, so I have chosen this moment VERY, VERY carefully. The moment is now.

If you are an acquaintance

Maybe you know me through someone else, went to high school with me, shared a Jell-O shot with me, ran with me, worked with me, chatted with me on Twitter, or traveled with me; however, you may know me, I’m hoping you can contribute just this ONE time. 

I promise that this summer you will earn your money back in entertainment value. My crazy teammates and I are going to provide you with loads of entertainment this summer if you follow along. You pay for renting a movie or pay to go to a movie…consider this payment for entertainment.

For all of you who envy my travels and lifestyle – This is your chance to be a part of it. Think of it as a way to say ‘yes’ to career breaks and work/life balance. Even if you, for some crazy reason, don’t think YOU can travel more, then at least support the notion of extended travel and career breaks.

What I want you to give me

I’d like a minimum $41 donation to my Mongol Rally Charity.

Donations are now closed – many thanks!

Plain and simple.  No shopping involved.  No wondering what I want.  No returns.  No time out of your busy day.  Just a simple click on the donate button above, and you’ll be taken to our team’s PayPal account, and you can donate.  It will take you no more than 3 minutes out of your day (maybe five if you don’t know where your credit card is).

If you are feeling really generous, there is no limit to what you can give.  You can put whatever amount you feel like into that donation box.

Ok –that’s it for my groveling for the day….it’s time to party in Beirut!