Charles Van Vechten, president of Van Vechten Creative Communications, a San Diego native and father of two, is inspired daily by his favorite quote: “‘Be afraid to die until you’ve made a difference for mankind.’ I couldn’t tell you who said it, but that’s how I live my life.”

Van Vechten says those words have had more meaning since his father died of prostate cancer a few years ago. “I felt like I needed to get involved and do something on his behalf, out of respect for him.” So Van Vechten dove in. He sits on the board of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and will co-chair the organization’s “Pink Tie Ball,” which will premiere in San Diego in 2006.

Van Vechten, 38, earned his bachelor’s degree in history from USD and continued his education at the Advertising Arts College. He is vice president of the San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

“My job is to let people know how important good design is and how critical it is to success,” he says. In addition to his volunteer work with Komen, Van Vechten has served on the East County Performing Arts Center board where his involvement earned him the San Diego Performing Arts League’s Star Award in 2000 and 2004.

Van Vechten also volunteers with several nonprofit organizations, including the Family Literacy Foundation, the San Diego Master Chorale and the San Diego Rotary Club. He and his wife have two children, Ava, 4, and Zachary, 9 months.