Innovation was the theme at the Root Cause 2013 Social Innovators Showcase held at the NERD Center last Thursday night, May 9^th. Microsoft is a yearlong, in-kind supporter of Root Cause, a local nonprofit passionate about solving social problems through innovation. At this year’s annual showcase, a select group of local organizations shared their forward-thinking ideas to a community of funders who will help them continue shaping Boston’s social landscape.

This year's Social Innovators pause for a group picture, photo credit: Root Cause Facebook page

Five Social Innovators — AgeWell West Roxbury, GRLZradio, Groundwork Lawrence, Safe City Academy, and Shelter Music Boston — and one of this year’s Impact Entrepreneurs, Global Research Innovation and Technology (GRIT), gathered with over 300 local leaders to discuss how to use their combined talent, resources, and networks to support the Social Innovators. Shelter Music Boston opened and closed their presentation with a live violin solo, GRIT captivated onlookers with their groundbreaking all-terrain wheelchair design, and GRLZradio and Safe City Academy amazed listeners with how they are able to positively impact young girls and high school dropouts with their programs.

Shelter Music Boston Violinists Perform, photo credit: Nick Bliss

Root Cause also used the occasion to present the 2013 Business Innovator Award to Bill Haney and Maura McCarthy, cofounders of Blu Homes, which uses cutting edge technology to design and build green homes that are healthier for families to live in and less detrimental to the environment.

Feeling inspired to be more innovative in your own business practices or to support more of these deserving nonprofits? Head to rootcause.org for more information and join the movement at next year’s showcase!