


As senior vice president of food and beverage at Eat'n Park Hospitality Group, Brooks Broadhurst is in charge of the menu. As the second generation in his family's business, he's preserving the famous Smiley Cookie, but he's taken one notable ingredient off the menu. "We've done a lot of work eliminating trans fats, trying to give our customers the healthiest menu we can," Broadhurst says. "We also try to keep a lot of our business local. A nice tomato that was just picked yesterday tastes a lot better than one that was grown in Florida or California."
Broadhurst also keeps the region smiling through his volunteer work. "A lot of what I do from a community standpoint leans toward children, either through Big Brothers/Big Sisters or the United Way." Broadhurst has helped complete a needs assessment for the United Way that will result in more services for young adults; he also recently co-chaired the American Heart Association's annual Heart Ball.
David Volpe throws a great party, and does these events for great causes. In 2007 alone, he's worked on committees to raise more than $100,000 for charities near his home in Westmoreland County. "I really like event fundraising, because to me, it's 'friend-raising.' You're never going to make a million dollars for an organization holding events. But events are a nice way for people to come out, contribute, enjoy themselves, and hopefully gain some connection to whatever organization we're talking about," he says.
Some of the events Volpe's worked on include an event for the Girl Scouts using their cookies in desserts, Black Tie Bingo for Excela Health System's hospice and a benefit for the Blackburn Center, which helps victims of domestic abuse. "These efforts have, hopefully, perpetuated a culture of giving where the donors are apt to continue to support these groups and others. The funds raised have also helped to enable the organizations to continue to provide valuable services to target populations which ultimately provides benefit to us all."
Terra Jones started Amani International Coffeehouse and Cafe on the North Side just a year ago. It's more than just a place for a good latte. It's a hub for Jones' diverse interests, joining a number of initiatives, resources and community partners in one funky, accessible space. "My passion is children, so I'm purposeful in connecting with the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Pittsburgh Public Schools and organizations specific to low-income African-American children," she says. Jones displays students' art and hosts poetry slams at Amani, providing a place for kids to express themselves. She also started an internship program for local teens. "I employ disadvantaged youth the year before they begin college," Jones says. "They learn everything from making lattes to small-business management. Empowering these youth at such a critical age makes our city and communities a better place in which to live."