The EO theme this fiscal year, “Success to Significance,” emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s impact and the possibilities of reaching new heights. EO St. Louis member Don Breckenridge Jr. embodies that theme every day. Not only is he the President and Co-Founder of Sendouts, LLC., but he also spends a lot of time giving back to his community.
In fact, Don was recently elected National Vice President for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). In this position, he assists in an annual event called the Breckenridge/MDA Muscle Team Bash. It’s a unique party where attendees get to mingle with sports celebrities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The MDA raises funds through corporate sponsorships, tickets to the event and an auction. Last year, the event raised more than US$150,000!
EO met up with Don and asked him about his passion for philanthropy.
EO: How did you become interested in working with this special cause?
DB: “My Dad had been involved with MDA for more than 30 years. He started the annual Muscle Team Bash in St. Louis about six years ago. Unfortunately, he died just before the third annual event. I had been involved with the party for the first few years, but then took a leadership role after he passed away.
Even though I have been involved since the beginning, my real interest did not honestly come until I visited the MDA summer camp a few years ago.
At camp, I had a chance to bond with several kids and really get to know them. I began to truly understand the difficulties these kids face day in and day out, and how the funds we raise directly impact their lives. For the first few years, I was working for a cause, but then I began working for kids I actually knew. That’s when it really turned personal, and I saw why my Dad was so dedicated for all of those years.”
What have you learned—personally and professionally—from your experiences working with muscular dystrophy?
"Working with MDA has given me a great perspective on so many things. I live a comfortable life with a wonderful family, and all too often, I take it for granted. It’s tough to see children confined to wheelchairs or fathers my age diagnosed with terrible diseases. In working with the MDA, I have certainly matured as a father, husband and member of society in terms of appreciating life and having the opportunity to give back. I have tremendous respect for those who have dedicated their careers toward the effort of fighting the many diseases that fall under the MDA umbrella.”
Has working with this special cause impacted you as an entrepreneur? If so, how?
“My views on entrepreneurism have certainly changed as I’ve become older and more involved with various charities like MDA. Out of school, I was excited about the thought of building a business and becoming successful. Now, I see building a successful business really as a gateway or stepping stone to giving back.”
Do you think all entrepreneurs should give back to their communities?
“Yes. I believe successful entrepreneurs have a responsibility to give back to the community. In many instances, support from the community has been an essential part of the entrepreneur’s success. It’s important not just to take, but to give back. In my view, success is ultimately being able to leave this earth in better shape than when you arrived.”