John, tomorrow is my husband Aaron’s 41st birthday.

Every year when I ask him how I can make his day special, he gives the same answer – that he has everything he needs. He has his health and he has his family–and this year, we were blessed to welcome our baby, Olivia.

And, thanks to folks like you, he has had the honor to serve his hometown of Virginia Beach as a Senator in the General Assembly.

As Senator, Aaron has worked hard to pass legislation that makes life better for Virginians.

He’s motivated to work hard for us, because he understands every day struggles of ordinary people. He grew up overcoming them. Despite all the obstacles he faced during his childhood, he persevered and surpassed every stereotype placed on a young black male born and raised in poverty: he graduated high school, then moved away from home to play collegiate football (Go Hokies!), then earned his degree and graduated college, and went onto play at the highest level of professional football/sports. He credits his successes to the support of adults in his life - coaches and teachers- who saw his potential and nurtured it.

And when his football career ended, he returned to what he knows best: service to his hometown. He majored in sociology at Virginia Tech because he wanted to understand his own experience and why, while he had achieved successes, it was so much harder when compared to kids who grew up in financially stable communities. What did those communities have that his didn’t? Why didn’t more of his neighborhood peers avoid jail or make it to college? Those kinds of questions not only drove his college major, but also his decision to be part of the solution. He realized that the people who decide how resources are allocated don’t think about or recognize the needs (whether intentionally or not) of people like him or who grow up like he did.

I’m so impressed by him, because he’s effective. He doesn’t waste time or opportunity in his political roles, because it’s not a game to him. That’s what drives him to serve Virginia to this day, and why he’s running for Lieutenant Governor. I believe he is a necessary voice and figure for our commonwealth, because he can connect to so many diverse experiences and people and bring them together. And isn’t that what we need? More community building for our commonwealth. A new generation of leadership to inspire our children to get involved in service to their communities.

Tomorrow, he won’t be able to fundraise for his campaign for 45 days until session ends, which means we have to act now! Will you spare $41 for Aaron’s 41st?

Will you help make Aaron’s birthday special by donating $41 to his campaign before the session starts tomorrow?

Thank you for your unwavering support. We wouldn’t be here without your investment. Let’s make Aaron’s 41st birthday special.

And for anyone who was looking for an excuse, consider this your sign to have some cake and ice cream tonight, in his honor 😉

– Jen Rouse