Plates With Purpose™ is proud to support organizations that make a difference in our communities. Each plate's design is carefully selected by Plates With Purpose™ and the partner organization to symbolize the mark the organization leaves on the people they serve. Fifteen percent of every plate sold goes to support the mission of these worthwhile groups. Here are the stories behind the designs and why each struck a chord with its representative organization.

Butterfly Plate benefits Forbes Hospice
The butterfly is a symbol of one's soul. The metamorphosis of the butterfly mirrors the human life cycle and the beauty and fragility of the human condition. This butterfly design was donated by Chicago artist Cassandra Ott to honor the memory of her uncle and the work of her godmother among the terminally ill. Proceeds from the Butterfly Plate With Purpose™ benefit the Forbes Hospice, which works to ease the process of death and dying for the terminally ill and their families.

Heart Plate benefits Habitat for Humanity
The heart is a symbol of love. This heart design was donated by the father/daughter team of Chicago artist Cassandra Ott and her father, Pittsburgh architect and designer, Grant Scott to honor those who work on behalf others in need. Proceeds from this Heart Plate With Purpose™ benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, who build and renovate homes with heart so that people in need can find affordable homes in good communities where their families can live and grow.TOP

Crocus Plate benefits FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered)
Crocuses symbolize a new season is about to begin. They survive the harsh winter and often appear even before the last snowflake melts, encouraging us to believe life endures. How fitting that the crocus is the symbol for our first Perennial Hope™ plate, part of a collection which will recognize organizations that provide support to patients and families as they struggle to survive serious health challenges such as a cancer diagnosis. Inspired by a breast cancer survivor, the artwork for this plate was donated by Cassandra Ott to honor battles fought against the disease. The Perennial Hope™ Crocus plate will benefit FORCE, an organization that provides hope and help for those at high risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.TOP

Pineapple Plate benefits Family House
The pineapple has been a symbol of welcoming hospitality since Christopher Columbus discovered them on the lush Caribbean island of Guadalupe in 1493 and brought them back to Europe. At the time, sweet fruits were rare, and the pineapple was an exotic delight, often a gift for monarchs. Homes that wanted to offer their guests the ultimate in comfort and accommodation would place pineapples on their tables to serve as the "crown jewel" of their centerpieces. It soon became the symbol for the graciousness, warmth and caring. This pineapple design, donated by Chicago artist Cassandra Ott, benefits Family House, a Pittsburgh organization and member of the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, that provides comfortable, affordable living arrangements and emotional support to reduce the stress of patients and families traveling for medical care. TOP

Stars Plate benefits Aids Task Force & Persad Center
Stars are a symbol of hope and joy. They send their light to us even though they are far, far away. A traditional Inuit story says “stars are openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon those who remain to remind us they are happy”. The artwork for this Star plate, was donated by Chicago artist Cassandra Ott to honor the memory of three Pittsburgh brothers and family friends who died from AIDS. Proceeds from the Star Plate With Purpose™ benefit the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force and Persad, who strive to bring hope and joy to people living with HIV and AIDS through counseling, services and support. TOP

Sunflower Plate benefits POWER (Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery)
The sunflower represents the strength, resilience and beauty shared by all women. Legend tells us that as pioneers journeyed westward, the women scattered sunflower seeds which grew against all odds into beautiful flowers, guiding other brave women and men traveling west in search of a better life for their families. The Sunflower design, donated by Chicago artist Cassandra Ott, benefits POWER, who serves pioneers of a different sort - strong, resilient and beautiful women on a journey to a better life for themselves and those they love. TOP

Trees Plate benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates
The tree is a symbol of life, knowledge and protection. These trees were designed and donated by Chicago artist Cassandra Ott to symbolize the special role court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers play in the life of abused and neglected children. Just as the larger tree shields the small sapling so it can grow and thrive, CASA volunteers provide vital advocacy and support for children who cannot speak for themselves. Proceeds from this Trees Plate With Purpose™ benefits National CASA so that they can speak up for over half a million abused and neglected children, providing stability and permanency. TOP

Wheat Plate benefits Food Bank
Wheat is a universal symbol of abundance and fulfillment. The Roman goddess of grain is also the goddess of motherly love. This sheaf of wheat design was donated by Pittsburgh artist Michelle Bamburak as a symbol of the supplies and work that's needed to eliminate hunger. Proceeds from the Wheat Plate With Purpose™ benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, a member of Feeding America™, which works to bring food to families in need and helps engage our country in the fight to end hunger. TOP