Nonprofits First recently held its sixth annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion. The sold-out event celebrated nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County that contribute and dedicate themselves to improving and strengthening our community.
Chaired by Dr. Peter Cruise of FAU, the ballroom had more than 650 people in the room wearing hats of all shapes and sizes. The emcee was Bill Bone, who inspired the audience with his eloquent presentation. Music from the nonprofit Digital Vibez set the tone, with popular beats to move and shake as people made their way to the stage to accept their awards.
“The 2022 Hats-Off Nonprofits Awards were the best ever. Nonprofits First is pleased to host this event annually to celebrate and honor our nonprofit community dedicated to the business of doing good,” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First.
The honorees were: Nonprofit of the Year – Youth Empowered to Prosper (small), Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County (medium), and the Arc of Palm Beach County (large); Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year – Lorraine Petrozza of Community Partners of South Florida; Nonprofit MVP – Jackie Struller of Restoration Bridge International; Nonprofit Professional of the Year – Trudy Crowetz of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County; Nonprofit Executive of the Year – Julia Dattolo of CareerSource Palm Beach County; Lifetime Achievement – Diana Stanley of the Lord’s Place; Community Collaborators Award – CROS Ministries Caring Kitchen Program, Interfaith Committee for Social Services and Delray Beach Police Community Outreach; Nonprofit Innovation Award – Morningday Community Solutions; Best Hat Award – Holy Ground Shelter for the Homeless; and People’s Choice: the Hanley Foundation.
Funds raised from the evening benefit Nonprofits First educational programs. These programs focus on professional development, leadership and training that nonprofit community volunteers and employees need to lead and succeed.
Since 2005, Nonprofits First has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
