The 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Honored the Leaders and Organizations who made an impact

Nonprofits First recently held their 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards at the Kravis Center in the Cohen Pavilion. This year's event was chaired by Dr. Peter L. Cruise and emceed by Bill Bone of the BillBone Law Group.

The 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrated Palm Beach County nonprofits that dedicate themselves to making our community a better place to live and work. The sold-out event had six hundred people in the room wearing hats of all shapes and sizes, themed for their nonprofit, handmade hats, cowboy hats, hard hats, top hats, and handmade themed hats. Music from a nonprofit, Digital Vibez, set the tone with popular beats that got people moving and shaking as they made their way to the stage to accept their awards. The energy in the room was a true testament to the fact that the nonprofit community is stronger than ever. Nonprofits First received over 160 nominations for 13 awards, with two additional awards presented that night for the People’s Choice Awards and the Best Hat Award.

“The Hats Off Nonprofit Awards is more than a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the heart and resilience that drive our nonprofit community. Seeing 600 passionate individuals come together was truly inspiring. Nonprofits First is honored to recognize the incredible work being done in our community and proud to support the causes, leaders, and volunteers who make our community stronger every day,” says Trudy Crowetz, President and CEO of Nonprofits First.

The honorees are:

Nonprofit of the Year Impact in Arts & Culture Award - Presented by Cultural Council for Palm Beach County: Music for Mending Minds

Nonprofit of the Year Impact in Education - Presented by Florida Power & Light: Suits for Seniors Nonprofit of the Year in Environment & Animal Welfare: Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Nonprofit of the Year in Family Service: Bella’s Angels

Nonprofit of the Year in Health & Wellness: Barracks Legend Foundation

Nonprofit Innovation Award: Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County

Lifetime Achievement Award: Tammy Fields

Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award: Brittany Menendez, The Unbreakable Organization

Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award: Barbara Wilson, Suits for Seniors

Nonprofit MVP of the Year Award: Shona Castillo, CROS Ministries

Community Hero Award: Ariana Ciancio, Delray Beach Police

Community Collaborator Awards: Suits for Seniors, Keiser University, and Palm Beach State College Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award: James Kastrinos, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League People’s Choice Award: Youth Environmental Alliance

Best Hat Award: Her 2nd Chance

Funds raised from the evening benefit Nonprofits First programs, which focus on professional development, leadership, and training that nonprofit community volunteers and employees need to lead and succeed.