bbcon 2014: RJ Mitte and the Importance of Celebrity Ambassadors Living the Cause

In my position, I was lucky enough that I have the impact with Shriners, but sometimes celebrity isn't the way to go. When you have amazing people in this world making a difference, you can go find someone who loves your charity, who loves your foundation and really will fight and give their life for it, and that's what you want. You want someone who puts their whole self into what they believe in and what their cause is.

What's driving my career for me is creating things that are enjoyable, being able to work with these amazing organizations and Blackbaud. Everyone here, everyone at this conference has someone that they care about, or themselves, who has challenges and disabilities, and that's why they got involved. They're trying to make the world better for their families. That's what I like, and that's what I like to show. What am I willing to do for my family? I'm willing to do what's necessary and go to the ends of the earth to do that.

I'm lucky enough that when it comes down to celebrity, I was on a very successful show. Most people don't have this opportunity, and most people in my position never get this opportunity. The odds of me being here are slim to none. I shouldn't be here. But I am, and I'm working and I'm continuing to work and continuing to grow, and I have an opportunity to change this world for the better. I'm able to talk to kids and work with kids, and I try to make an impact in people's lives.

I'm just one person. I cannot save the world. I can barely save myself half the time. But what I can do is hope to set [an example] and what people see of me and what people see of themselves, because setting the example to me is one of the most important things you can do. Setting an example doesn't just show people what they can do, but it shows people who you can become and who you are.