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

Shriners has given me the ability, and we're working together because they gave me so much. Whatever I do from here will never compare to the abilities that they gave to me, so any way I can I'm more than happy to be a part of Shriners.

FS/NM: What would you like the donors, the program workers and the fundraisers for Shriners to know about how much they really do make a difference?

RJM: Shriners makes a difference in the world. I'm living proof of that; I show people that. I'm able to show, not just to Shriners, but so many people are in my position, thousands and thousands of people in this world with disabilities and challenges that they have to face, and I was able to get here. When it comes down to Shriners, working in a hospital, you see it. That's the thing about Shriners. They can see the impact that they're having, not just on the children but on the parents, on the grandparents, they see that. They can see it firsthand.

A lot of times people are sitting at a desk and don't get to see that impact. I recommend going into a Shriners Hospital, going into a St. Jude's, going into any hospital and going to the children's unit and seeing these kids — and not just seeing the kids but the parents that are sitting next to their kid's bedside day in and day out. Mom stays overnight, and then dad shifts in — you see this. That's the good thing about having a children's hospital, you can see the impact. Shriners has that impact. They made an impact on me. I'm living proof of that it works, that they are having an impact on children and their families.