For months as my 40th birthday has quickly approached, I've contemplated what would be the most appropriate way to honor and celebrate this pivotal milestone in my life. Although uncertain of what I would do, the one thing I've known is that it had to be epic. It had to be something that pushed my boundaries, supported my passions and connected me with others.

Travel, races, and finding ways to thank friends and family who have been influential in my life have all been considered, but none of them have felt completely right. With my birthday quickly approaching, I've started to feel the pressure to figure it out before it was too late.

This past weekend as I was sitting on a plane reading Adam Braun's story of Pencils of Promise, I suddenly knew exactly what I needed to do. I'd finally figured out the perfect way to accomplish everything I'd hoped my 40th birthday would be. Chapter after chapter so much of what he shared resonated with me and spoke to my soul, at one point even having tears stream down my cheeks.

Pencils of Promise works with communities across the globe to build schools and create programs that provide education opportunities for children. As I learned about their mission and how the organization developed and how it continues to operate, there was no longer any doubt in my mind what I was meant to do for my 40th birthday. I needed to build a school!

Now with just under 30 days before my big 4 0, I'm now feeling the most pressure I've ever felt in my life to achieve this goal. Before my birthday on March 10, I have the plan to raise $25,000 to build a school in a community in need. This is by far the biggest, hairiest, most audacious goal I've ever set in my life. Although a bit scary, I have no doubt that through the combined effort of the many people I've had the privilege of getting to know throughout my life, it can easily be achieve within the 30 day time frame.

All I'm asking is that each and every person I know to donate at least $1 to Pencils of Promise for every year that they've known me. Its a small and simple act that can have a profound impact in the life of so many. It’s through the thousands of smaller donations that we will help improve the lives of so many within an entire community. Note: one hundred percent of all the money donated goes directly to the building of the school.

Please help unlock the potential in every child through a quality education by joining me in this cause. You can learn more about the organization and how you can be involved in my Race2Forty by clicking here. From there you can donate towards my goal or join my team (Lex's Pace Team) and start your own fundraising.

I will also be posting regularly on this blog discussing the progress and expanding on why I support Pencils of Promise. Please follow along and share your thoughts, ask your questions and help me make my 40th birthday the most humbling experience of my life.

Thank you for your generous support!

~ Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. - C.S. Lewis