Nonprofits Honored at Hats Off Awards

Credit: Capehart Photography

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Wednesday, October 18, 2023- Nonprofits First recently held their Lucky 7th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards at the Kravis Center in the Cohen Pavilion. This year’s first Honorary Chair was Mayor Danielle Moore (Town of Palm Beach), and the event chair was Christine Pitts of Toshiba; the sold-out event celebrated nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County who contribute and dedicate themselves to improving and strengthening our community. The ballroom had nearly seven hundred people in the room wearing hats of all shapes and sizes, from cowboy hats, hard hats, and top hats to hand-made themed hats. 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 energy felt in the room was a true sign that the nonprofit community is back stronger than ever.

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​“The Nonprofits First Lucky 7th Annual Hats Off Awards were the best ever! With a record-breaking number of nominees (167), attendees (680), and sponsors (85), the event was nothing short of magical. I am so proud of our nonprofit community; they do so much good, and they deserve to be honored and celebrated. It is truly our pleasure to host such an important and significant event!” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First.
 
The honorees are:


Nonprofit of the Year:
Small: Path to College
Medium: Promise Fund of Florida
Large: Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County
 
Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year: Kimberlyn McCoy, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
 
Nonprofit MVP: Susan Christiansen, Junior League of the Palm Beaches
 
Nonprofit Professional of the Year: Lisa Greenwood, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County
 
Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Edna W. Runner, Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center
 
Lifetime Achievement: Robert Bertisch, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
 
Community Collaborators Award: FoundCare, RBHI Resident Advisory Committee, Community Partners of South Florida, Health Council of Southeast Florida, American Heart Association (Palm Beach County), the City of Riviera Beach
 
Nonprofit Innovation Award: Student (Athletics, Character, Education) ACES

New Award-Arts and Culture Impact Award: Young Singers of the Palm Beaches
 
The Best Hat Award: Art Deco


People's Choice: Best Foot Forward 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.