Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Inspired to Giving in Ethiopia (VIDEO)

In 2010, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith posted a video on their respective Facebook pages and websites announcing that they were giving up any formal celebration of their birthdays for the year and instead using them to raise funds and awareness for Charity Water, an organization whose efforts help to create clean drinking water to underprivileged nations. Close to two years later, they got a chance to see their efforts pay off.

Recently Will and Jada traveled to the Meago Village in Ethiopia to witness the inaugural drilling of the one of two rigs that were purchased with the $789,000 raised as a direct result of their birthday fundraising campaign.

This newly-provided water access will serve over 400 people throughout the area.

So often we hear see headlines about the lavish parties that many celebrities hold for their birthdays, but very rarely is there any talk about the ones who skip the posh extravaganzas and spending to do something charitable instead. I think that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are setting a great example not only for their children, but for other celebrities–and even us regular folk–that being blessed with another year of life is not all about what gifts people can give to you, but instead what gifts you can give to others in need.

Kudos Will and Jada!!

You can find out more about Will and Jada’s efforts and the Charity Water organization by clicking Here.

photo credit: charitywater.org