Every year, fans of Benedict Cumberbatch across the globe join together to perform acts of kindness in celebration of the actor's July 19 birthday. What began as a "What if?" became an initiative encompassing 2694 people in 88 different countries or territories. (See: http://www.batchofkindness.com/ for full details, including how to join yourself!)

Per the official organizers: The campaign was prompted by the words of the actor himself in a 2013 thank you letter to the fans, quoted below:

"...it may be cheeky after such efforts and generosity...but could I make a request? Could you please put the time and energy, money and effort you put into those gifts, cards and messages to me into doing good for someone else?...it doesn’t have to be money, perhaps it’s just a bit of your time or a simple gesture of kindness...anyway if it makes me sound ungrateful for what you gave me please forgive my rudeness. I simply think if the number of people who threw love my way did so to people that need it far more than me, that would be a wonderful feeling for us all to have on my birthday."

Why SkyJump? Benedict used to skydive, and I'm not entirely sure that I'm that brave...but SkyJump in Las Vegas is close enough! SkyJump, according to their website, is a heartpounding, scream-inducing, open-air leap from 829 feet above the neon Strip and holds a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial decelerator descent facility. They say I'll zoom toward the landing pad at speeds topping 40 mph (gulp!).

As many of you may know, I am TERRIFIED of open heights and would never usually do anything remotely like this. But, I do have a history of doing crazy things for charity (like shaving my head), so I figured I'd give this a go since it's for a good cause! 

If I can raise at least £410 (for his 41st birthday), I'll do the jump while I'm in Las Vegas from June 30 through July 4. 

The sooner the money is raised, the sooner I'll purchase my jump slot!

All money raised will go directly to one of Benedict's favorite charities, The Prince's Trust, which helps disadvantaged 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

And don't worry - although The Prince's Trust is a UK charity, JustGiving will allow you to donate in 9 different currencies, including the US dollar, so you shouldn't be penalized by any conversion fees! (For my US friends though, do please note that donating to a UK charity generally does not qualify for a charitable tax deduction.)