The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League was among 13 organizations recognized by resource group Nonprofits First during its 9th annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards.
Launched in 2017, the awards honor Palm Beach County organizations that make a positive impact in the community.
This year, the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League was named the Nonprofit of the Year in Environment & Animal Welfare at the event, which was held Oct. 9 at the Kravis Center.
Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore serves as a director of the West Palm Beach-based pet rescue and welfare organization, while her mother, former Mayor Lesly Smith, is vice chair of the board.
In 2021, the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League unveiled the Lesly S. Smith Pet Adoption Center, funded in part by Moore’s lead gift.
The facility provides adoption services and a safe haven for cats and dogs seeking permanent homes.
Smith was among 600 attendees at the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards, where guests wore a variety of creative hats, including nonprofit-themed designs, cowboy hats, hard hats and top hats.
Along with the 13 awards presented by Nonprofits First to local nonprofits, two additional honors were given — one by the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, and another for Best Hat.
Awards winners included the Nonprofit of the Year Impact in Arts & Culture Award: Music for Mending Minds; Nonprofit of the Year Impact in Education: 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; and Nonprofit Innovation Award: Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County.
Other awards included the 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; and Nonprofit MVP of the Year Award: Shona Castillo, CROS Ministries.
Rounding out the honors were the Community Hero Award: Ariana Ciancio, Delray Beach Police; Community Collaborator Awards: Suits for Seniors, Keiser University, Palm Beach State College; Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award: James Kastrinos; Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League People’s Choice Award: Youth Environmental Alliance; and Best Hat Award: Her 2nd Chance.
“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,” Nonprofits First president and CEO Trudy Crowetz said in a release. “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.”
Nonprofits First is a West Palm Beach–based organization that provides training, accreditation, and support services to help nonprofits operate effectively and sustainably.
The organization received over 160 nominations for the awards.
