The Adventure Project

So today we have a special post. For a special someone. I know, it’s really exciting. We’re excited too. You know why? Because it’s Mark Chou’s birthday.

“Who is Mark Chou,” you ask? Only one of the greatest people on earth.

We’re not just saying that because he’s dedicated his 26th birthday (read: today) to The Adventure Project – though, of course, that’s a huge perk for us. And we completely encourage you to go to his campaign page and donate. But there’s a lot more to Mark Chou than just a smiling face on a fundraising website.

(Note: Mark’s raised enough money already to support a well mechanic in India who will then go on to repair enough water wells to provide clean, accessible water to over 5,000 people. Wowzers. Aiming for a second mechanic maybe?)

Mark Chou, staying cool and pretending to be a well mechanic in India. Kidding.

For one thing, Mark is part of our advisory board, which (as the name might reveal) means he’s one of our wise advisors (#1: Smart). And Mark doesn’t just keep his wisdom and knowledge to himself and The Adventure Project only. In fact, he teaches a class for Skillshare – on watches. That always sells out.

Which leads to #2: Aesthetically adept. With a vintage-inspired apartment and an Ivy-League prep closet, Mark is known for having great taste and style. Rumor has it that a prestigious financial firm in NYC has Bowtie Days inspired by Mark. (Our sources couldn’t verify if it was Bowtie Fridays or Bowtie Wednesdays.)

But perhaps the biggest reason why half of Manhattan will come out to Mark’s rooftop parties (despite it being 40 degrees Fahrenheit outside) isn’t because of his fame, success, or well-coordinated outfits. It’s because Mark is just a really good-natured guy with a huge heart. In fact, he’s so philanthropic that he even has a friend named Charity* (#3: Good-hearted).

Friend and fellow man, Greg W, recently shared: “Mark is a gentleman of generosity and compassion. His large heart reaches around the world to help others. Ladies should take notice.” (Yes, he is single.)

 
Mark Chou and friend, featured at Rugby Tweed Run. Photo by Diana Levine. || Mark Chou and big fish.

Even people who have never met Mark admire him. At a party a few weeks ago, Lauren C. was overheard saying, “I don’t even know him, but that guy Mark Chou is giving his birthday for The Adventure Project. That’s so cool of him.”

In a more recent email transaction (read: this morning), she added, “[A]ctually, I have stalked him on Twitter/About.me, etc. and do think he is pretty awesome.”

So there it is, folks. Mark Chou. Awesome supporter of The Adventure Project. Namely because he’s giving today, his 26th birthday, to us. But also for all the above reasons. You can be part of Mark’s Awesome World by giving to his campaign here: http://itheadventureproject.causevox.com/mark — Mark will personally send you a thank you note, I’m sure. Because that’s what awesome people do.

*True name, real person. No joke. I can provide pictural proof.