WEST PALM BEACH, FL. —Palm Beach County has become a place where good causes thrive, with more than 8,500 non-profit organizations now active in the area. On Thursday, October 15, “Nonprofits First” brought the community together for its annual “Hats Off Awards” ceremony. The sold-out event, held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, shone a spotlight on the individuals who make this work possible.
Trudy Crowetz, CEO of “Nonprofits First,” spoke with Bill Bone—a West Palm Beach personal injury attorney, member of the organizing committee, and the evening’s master of ceremonies- about the organization’s motivations and the causes it supports.
At its heart, she explained, the work is about building capacity. “We actually help the helpers,” Crowetz said.
To achieve this, “Nonprofits First” provides training for local teams, develops the next generation of nonprofit leaders, and awards accreditation to organizations across the county. Its scope is intentionally broad, touching every kind of cause from arts and culture and education to health and social services.
Crowetz pointed to an encouraging trend across the sector. More people are stepping up to give their time, and volunteerism is on the rise. “More people are doing more,” she said, a sign of how deeply this community believes in supporting its neighbors.
The Hats Off Awards honor the volunteers, leaders, and staff who carry out that work. Crowetz knows the recognition firsthand. She was named Nonprofit Professional of the Year at the 2022 ceremony.
Bill Bone highlighted the evening’s People’s Choice Award, which is decided by the public. Anyone can vote for a favorite organization through Nonprofits First, and the winner is announced live at the ceremony.
Because Nonprofits First exists to strengthen other nonprofits, it keeps the Hats Off Awards as its single annual fundraiser so it does not compete with the organizations it serves. Community members who want to help can donate directly at nonprofitsfirst.org, where contributions support the education, training, and accreditation the group provides year round.
Bill Bone Law Group, a West Palm Beach personal injury firm led by Bill Bone, who is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, is proud to support Nonprofits First and the local causes it champions.