Christopher Brereton - PwrdBy People, Planet, Profit

Name: Christopher Brereton 

What is your job? I’m the founder and guru of a company called PwrdBy which is a platform for thought leading and progressive nonprofits to build and manage their own mobile apps.

What social causes are most important to you? I’m personally interested an involved in a number of social causes surrounding the issues of leukemia, education and the youth population effected of infected by HIV.

Chef Ryan Butler: "Social responsibility to me is simply just being aware of what’s going around you"

Name: Ryan Butler

What is your job? Pastry Chef for the Highlands Restaurant Group (which includes NY hotspots Whitehall Bar + Kitchen, Highlands, and Byron at The Surf Lodge)

What social causes are most important to you? The social causes that are most important to me include; Autism, cruelty to animals, protecting the American farmer, human care for farm animals, and commercial whaling in the Antarctic.

What charities do you support – and how? I support a charity called Autism Speaks and for the last four years I have participated in the annual celebrity chef’s gala to raise money for the foundation to help continue it’s research and advocacy initiatives. It’s a fun night that raises a lot of money for an important cause. 

Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman for Homelessness

Name: Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman

What is your job? Former 3X NFL Pro Bowl and All Pro; NFL Analyst; CEO of Lights Out Brand

What social causes are most important to you?  As a child, I was the victim of two house fires and was left homeless as a result. Because of this, I’ve dedicated my time and resources to making a difference in the lives of homeless families.

What charity do you support – and how? I established Lights On Foundation early in my NFL career to help fight homelessness and host annual events to benefit the cause. One event is my annual coat drive which is going on its 11th year. Lights On Foundation has been able to collect over 20,000 garments through this event, which have been donated to members of the Maryland and Washington D.C. communities where I grew up. Our upcoming coat drive will be held November 23rd prior to the University of Maryland vs. Boston College game.