Community Champion Bill Bone Continues Legacy of Service at Hats Off Awards
Longtime Emcee and Award Winner Brings Heart and Expertise to Nonprofit Celebration
When Bill Bone takes the stage at the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards, he speaks from experience. The attorney isn’t just the event’s master of ceremonies — he’s a recognized leader in Palm Beach County’s nonprofit community and a past honoree himself.
At the 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards held at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion, Bone once again demonstrated why event organizers continue to invite him back year after year.
His eloquent presentation style and genuine appreciation for nonprofit work resonate with an audience that includes the very people working on the front lines of community service.
“Bill has an extraordinary ability to inspire our attendees,” said event organizers. “He understands the challenges and triumphs of nonprofit work because he’s been recognized for his own contributions to the sector.”
In 2020, Bone received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the very event he now helps to host — a testament to his decades of service to Palm Beach County causes.
His involvement extends beyond the podium; as a Host Committee member and vocal advocate, Bone has helped elevate the profile of the Hats Off Awards since its inception.
This year’s event, chaired by Dr. Peter Cruise of Florida Atlantic University, welcomed guests in creative hats for an evening celebrating fourteen categories of achievement.
More than just an awards ceremony, the gathering serves as an annual reunion for the nonprofit sector, with Bone’s welcoming remarks setting the tone for an evening of recognition and inspiration.
“Let the season begin,” Bone has been known to declare, positioning the October event as the official kickoff to Palm Beach County’s active nonprofit season. His words capture both the celebratory spirit of the evening and the serious work that lies ahead for organizations serving the community.
The partnership between Bone and the Hats Off Awards reflects a shared mission: recognizing excellence while inspiring continued dedication to the business of doing good. For attendees, his presence as emcee represents continuity, credibility, and a reminder that leadership in the nonprofit sector comes in many forms.
As guests networked, enjoyed catering by The Lessing’s Hospitality Group, and moved to music from Digital Vibez, Bone’s steady guidance ensured that each nominee felt valued and each award felt significant. It’s this attention to the human element — the volunteers, staff members, and organizations giving their all — that makes his role so vital.
The event raised funds for Nonprofits First’s education and leadership programs, ensuring future generations of nonprofit professionals receive the training and support they need to maximize their community impact.
With leaders like Bill Bone championing their cause, Palm Beach County’s nonprofit sector has much to celebrate — and much to look forward to.
To view photos from the evening and see more coverage, read the full Florida Weekly story about the Kravis Center’s Hats Off Awards.
