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Dale Partridge; photography by Prentice Danner

Seventh Heaven

by Kristen Schott | Riviera Orange County magazine | September 7, 2012

Seven days. That's not much time, but it’s all 27-year-old Dale Partridge needs to make a difference—and inspire others. The “chief world changer” (or CEO) of Costa Mesa’s socially conscious Sevenly (sevenly.‌org) partners with a different charity each week to design and sell T-shirts and other products (priced between $22-$40). And $7 from each sale goes to that org’s cause. Since starting Sevenly with co-founder Aaron Chavez last year, about $1 million has been donated to nonprofs like Autism Speaks (its campaign in July raised a record $204,400). The entrepreneur extraordinaire—past ventures include founding a rock-climbing chain—recently took a moment to share some good with Riviera.

What inspired you to start Sevenly? I’ve always been drawn to business. I used to sell boxes to make some extra cash as a kid.

Was it hard making the jump to a philanthropic field? It was difficult, of course, due to the constant adjustments that needed to be made. But it was a huge point of growth in my life.

Why do you think Sevenly’s been so successful? I believe it’s directly tied to our level of giving. The team is focused on serving nonprofit partners and the causes we support. Sevenly makes a big impact every day.

How does that feel? It feels amazing! Our focus is to lead a generation toward a lifestyle of generosity, and we’re actually doing that.

So, in one sentence, tell us how you’d change the world. By teaching others to give.