The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League was among 13 organizations recognized by the resource group Nonprofits First at its 9th annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards.
Launched in 2017, the awards honor Palm Beach County organizations that are making a positive impact in the community.
This year, the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League was named Environmental and Animal Welfare Nonprofit of the Year at the Oct. 9 ceremony at the Kravis Center.
Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore serves as a director of the West Palm Beach-based pet rescue and welfare organization, and her mother, former Mayor Leslie Smith, is the 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 major gift.
The facility provides adoption services and a safe haven for cats and dogs looking for permanent homes.
Carol Baxter, former Palm Beach Mayor Leslie Smith and Sue Berry appear at the 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Oct. 9 at the Kravis Center.
Smith was among 600 attendees at the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards, where guests wore a variety of designer hats, including nonprofit-themed designs, cowboy hats, hard hats and top hats.
Along with the 13 awards presented by nonprofits to local nonprofits, two additional honors were presented — one to the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and another to Best Hat.
Award winners include Nonprofit Impact of the Year Arts and Culture Award: Music for Better Minds; Nonprofit Education Impact of the Year: Suits for Seniors; Environmental and Animal Welfare Nonprofit of the Year: Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League; Family Service Nonprofit of the Year: Bella’s Angels; Health and Wellness Nonprofit of the Year: Barracks Legend Foundation; and Nonprofit Innovation Award: Speak Up for Palm Beach County Kids.
Other awards include 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 Award of the Year: Shona Castillo, CROS Ministries.
Completing Honors Community Hero Award: Ariana Ciancio, Delray Beach Police; Community Collaboration Awards: Suits for Seniors, Keizer University, Palm Beach State College; Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award: James Castrinos; Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League People’s Choice Award: Youth Environmental Alliance; And Best Hat Award: Her 2nd time.
“Hats Off is more than a celebration of nonprofit awards. It’s a powerful reminder of the heart and resilience that drives our nonprofit community,” Trudy Crowetz, Nonprofits First President and CEO, said in a statement. “It was truly inspiring to see 600 passionate people come together. The first non-profit to be honored to recognize the incredible work being done in our community and proud to support the causes, leaders and volunteers who strengthen our community every day.”
Nonprofit 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 more than 160 nominations for the awards.
Jody Wagner is a reporter for the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared in the Palm Beach Daily News: Peggy Adams was honored at the Animal Rescue League’s nonprofit awards ceremony.