Most Valuable Volunteer Award Finalists
This award recognizes a volunteer or nonprofit board member who has made an extraordinary impact through unpaid service. Honorees give their time, expertise, and energy freely to support one or more nonprofit organizations serving Palm Beach or Martin counties. Whether through long-term dedication or leadership on a specific initiative, they demonstrate how generosity of time and talent can drive meaningful change.
1. Bonnie Hampp, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonnie Hampp has become one of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary’s most versatile and dependable volunteers, contributing more than 1,300 hours in less than four years. She serves across nearly every part of the organization—from educating school groups and welcoming visitors to assisting in the wildlife clinic and participating in rescues and releases. Her ability to connect people with Florida’s native wildlife while directly supporting rehabilitation makes her an especially powerful ambassador for conservation.
2. Glenda Hoops, Lighthouse ArtCenter
Glenda Hoops has volunteered with Lighthouse ArtCenter since January 2022, contributing an estimated 150 to 200 hours each year. Although she serves on the board of directors, much of her impact comes from attending VeteransArt classes to build relationships with participants and help create a welcoming, supportive space for healing and reconnection. The trust she has developed has encouraged veterans to share personal stories used in grant applications, helping sustain a program in such high demand that it operates with a waitlist and hopes to double the number of veterans served from 65 to 130 annually.
3. Lyette Reback, Believe With Me
Lyette Reback has served for 11 years as the unpaid founder and CEO of Believe With Me, devoting roughly 60 hours a week to supporting Gold Star families—the spouses, children, and parents of service members who died while serving our country. Under her leadership, the Gold Star Christmas initiative has grown from serving 165 children in 2015 to more than 3,000 children and family members this coming holiday season. Beyond Christmas gifts, the organization provides emergency financial assistance, grief support, home renovations, and mortgage-free homes, while mobilizing local volunteers, students, and businesses around the families of fallen heroes.
