Patch Blog: My History with Unlimited Partnerships

Unlimited Partnerships

I’ve been a limited partner twice and both times it cost me 10 grand.

And I’ve been on nonprofit boards multiple times and the partnerships there have yielded unlimited results that are harder to tabulate than Wall Street banker bonuses.

Thing is, I think I’m the kind of guy sales people dream about. Just smile, be direct, and impress me with bright colors and my major bobble-head will start going north and south. If you like me twice, I’ll call ya loyal. Go for the hat trick and I’ll join your mailing list.

My dental practice team of ladies knows my modus operandi only too well and they are very protective of me…from outsiders. Of course, they also think they can play me like a violin, but they’re too close; they’re like family (you’re right; they play me like a cello.)

My first limited partnership was all about condominiums in Texas. And you wonder if PT Barnum knew how many future molar jockeys are born every minute.

My last limited partnership put me together with my beloved alma mater, the University of Spoiled Children aka Reggie Bush’s home away from rent-free home.

When the adults back at school screwed up my fall football weekends by bein’ stupid, I stopped paying $3K for the right to buy season tickets. Little did I know that rebellious act would cost me the $10K affording me the luxury of obtaining basketball season tickets as a Founder (seems like a lotta cash just to watch college hoops in the semi-privacy of the Galen Center.)

Anyway, you’d think I’d be a little jaded by now, but I’m not. I’m just a little more careful choosing the folks with whom I make a glimmer of eye contact.

And there are some great people out there who want to make a difference for others just for the pleasure of doing it. If you look for ‘em, it seems like they’re everywhere.

About 8 years ago at a Chamber breakfast, I made eye contact with the Development Director from Haven House in Pasadena, the first shelter for victims of domestic violence in the United States. Haven’t been the same since.

And just so you know, nonprofit development directors are among the most persuasive, dynamic, and focused folks you’ll ever meet. If the D-Squareds weren’t so freakin’ nice, they’d probably be The Donald…squared.

It’s totally fun being used by people who want to make a difference for others. If you look up the word “fulfilled” You’ll see a picture of a bunch of faces just like the ones you’ll see at places like Rosemary Children Services in Pasadena, Haven House, and the City of Hope.

Trust me, when you hang out with the likes of volunteers and advocates supporting folks who could just as easily be friends and family, your immune system will stand up and cheer. Your cynicism might look for the nearest exit.

It’s no accident I mentioned Rosemary Children Services (RCS.) And this won’t be the last time I give the 90-year old Pasadena organization a shout-out.

Rosemary took the lead as Pasadena’s first advocate for children at risk; the organization is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive support. And even after more than 90 years, the organization’s vision lives in a future of possibilities, inspiring hope and transforming young lives.

Children should never have to be down to their last chance but Rosemary Children Services is often there to save a young life that, for all intents and purposes, has already been pronounced lost.

And it’s easy staying in touch with reality and even easier making it to board meetings when you get to hear a staff member tell a story that can have a miraculous ending.

The immortal college basketball Coach Jim Valvano once said, “To me there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think; you should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week; you’re going to have something special.”

And why not?

Investments of the heart are never limited partnerships. When you choose to help make a difference just because, I guarantee (like Coach V said) you’re going to have something special.

Find out more about Rosemary Children Services at http://www.rosemarychildren.org/