When Big Shoulders Fund made the move into its new Chicago office, Wurkwel Ventures saw an opportunity to put its family of workplace companies to work for a cause bigger than business.
Through Wurkwel’s Creating a Better Tomorrow initiative, two of its operating companies teamed up to support the transition: Office Furniture Center–Chicago donated a full floor of office furniture to help outfit Big Shoulders Fund’s new space, while MAC Relocations managed the installation — coordinating the physical move and getting the team up and running quickly.
Big Shoulders Fund creates opportunities for students and strengthens school communities throughout Chicago, making it a natural partner for an initiative built around putting Wurkwel’s workplace expertise to work for organizations doing meaningful work in the community.
More Than a Donation
Beyond furnishing a new office, the project reflects something core to how Wurkwel approaches workplace transitions across all of its companies: rather than treating furniture as disposable, the goal is to find its highest and best use — extending the life of existing assets while creating real value for the people who need it.
“One of the most rewarding parts of building Wurkwel Ventures is seeing what can happen when our companies bring their capabilities together around something bigger than business,” said Mason Awtry, CEO of Wurkwel Ventures. “Creating a Better Tomorrow is about taking what we do every day and putting it to work for others. Big Shoulders Fund does incredibly meaningful work in our community, and we’re proud that our team could play a small part in supporting the people behind that mission.”
About Creating a Better Tomorrow
Creating a Better Tomorrow is a Wurkwel Ventures initiative that brings together the resources, expertise, and capabilities of its operating companies to support nonprofit and community organizations — through furniture donations, relocation and installation services, workplace expertise, and other forms of in-kind support. The initiative is built around promoting reuse, resourcefulness, and responsible workplace practices while creating meaningful community impact.
About Big Shoulders Fund
For nearly 40 years, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children in need achieve their dreams through access to quality, values-based education — investing more than $40 million annually in scholarship support, academic enrichment, school operational improvements, and leadership development for the next generation of school leaders.
Read the full press release: Chicago workplace firms turn surplus office furniture into community impact
