plateswithpurpose


	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	The forget-me-not is a symbol of remembering. This cheery flower design was donated by artist Judy Smilow to honor the memory of her father, who died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. This forget-me-not reminds us to keep those who struggle with Alzheimer’s disease in our hearts and minds. A life may be taken bit by bit, but to those left behind, that life is never forgotten. Proceeds from the Forget-me-not Plate With Purpose™ benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, which strives to bring services and support to those with Alzheimer’s and their families.
	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.
	As the largest animal to walk the Earth, the elephant is known as a symbol of strength and perseverance. This whimsical elephant artwork was donated to help raise awareness for the National Autism Society by Tristan Bramblett, a boy with autism who was only age five at the time he designed it. Proceeds from the Elephant Plate With Purpose™ are used to help other autistic children whose everyday journeys are filled with strength, wisdom and perseverance.
	Ladybugs, sometimes known as ladybirds, are a worldwide symbol of good luck and often a favorite insect of children. This charming ladybug design was donated by five year-old Tristan Bramblett and is used as a symbol for children suffering the effects of mitochondrial disease. Research is showing that Mitochondrial disease, which effects the bodies ability to convert food into energy and is critical to cell function, could be linked to several other illnesses. Proceeds from the Ladybug Plate With Purpose™ help the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation [UMDF] build awareness of this condition and help the thousands of children whose lives are compromised or shortened by it.
	Botanicals are a symbol of healing. The ones shown here—holly, fern, rose and oak, represent seasonal botanicals and symbolize good cheer, luck, love and strength, all important aspects of healing, especially for children. These botanical designs, donated by Chicago artist Cassandra Ott act a reminder of the time she spent recovering from an unexpected illness in the hospital as a child. An old quote says “every great oak tree was once a nut that stood its ground”, and Children’s Hospital helps to insure that children can grow into healthy and productive adults. Proceeds from these Botanical Plates With Purpose™ benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, which provides comprehensive family-centered primary and specialty care for children who are ill.