Our Powered by Purpose Award celebrates businesses that lead with intention, exemplify generosity, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. This year, we honor five extraordinary organizations whose innovative efforts redefine what it means to work with purpose:

 

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Busy Beaver Building Center, Inc.

Busy Beaver is committed to strengthening community wellbeing across Greater Pittsburgh. Through a culture of care and strong philanthropic partnerships, they support organizations improving local lives. This year, their Heart Walk efforts—including a month-long roundup, vendor engagement, and leadership by Adam Gunnett—raised $50,000 for lifesaving research. Additionally, Busy Beaver hosts an annual golf outing, benefitting various charitable organizations across the region. This year, Busy Beaver's annual outing benefitted the Backpacks to Go Program, providing backpacks of non-perishable goods to at-need families.​​​

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Global Wordsmiths

Global Wordsmiths is a social enterprise dedicated to advancing equity by delivering multilingual communication services and reinvesting profits into community impact. Every service they provide is tied to a deeper purpose of building a future where language never stands in the way of opportunity, safety, or belonging. Over the past year, they provided pro bono language assistance, donated nearly $10,000, and partnered with local nonprofits to expand access. Their work strengthens inclusion, supports bilingual talent, and ensures language is never a barrier to opportunity.
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Junkluggers of Pittsburgh

The Junkluggers of Pittsburgh pair purpose with impact by diverting over half of all hauls from landfills and donating hundreds of truckloads of furniture and essentials to local nonprofits. Through partnerships with groups like The Blessing Board, Global Links, and Brother’s Brother Foundation, and a strong commitment to mentoring staff, they strengthen both the environment and the community. Through their commitment to sustainability, they divert more than 55% of their hauls from landfills—ensuring usable items are rehomed, recycled, and put directly into the hands of people who need them most.​​​

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Second Harvest Community Thrift Store

Second Harvest transforms donated goods into community support. Launched from a bequest and opened in 2020, it provides affordable clothing, housewares, and furniture to Sharpsburg families. The Community Thrift Store turned cash flow-positive in its first year and has since grossed over $2million in revenue to support its mission. Additionally, it partners with Hello Neighbor to furnish refugee homes - at no cost - and has awarded $125,000 in community grants, extending its impact beyond goods to empower families and strengthen the local community.​

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Z&M Harley-Davidson

Z&M Harley-Davidson is dedicated to serving riders and strengthening the Pittsburgh region through generous community support. Their annual 28-week Reason-To-Ride fundraiser is a 28-week annual fundraiser where participants purchase a badge for a $20 donation.Since Reason-to-Ride began in 2016, more than 13,000 riders have raised over $300,000 for local charities. In the last year, their partnership helped provide 34 adaptive bikes, strollers, and communication devices, promoting freedom, independence, and safety for local kids with disabilities.

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Together, these remarkable businesses prove that purpose and profit can go hand-in-hand, leaving a lasting legacy of impact and inspiration.