Earlier this year, Jupiter Magazine invited readers to help us recognize the people and organizations whose generosity, service, and leadership make a meaningful difference in our community. After nominations were submitted, our editorial board narrowed the field to three finalists in each category, then invited readers to cast their votes—and you responded by the thousands! Here, we celebrate the inaugural Good Works Awards winners (and tip our hats to the remarkable runners-up) who make doing good look very good indeed.
The Impact Award
Winner: Furry Friends Humane
This Jupiter-based nonprofit tackles animal homelessness from rescue and adoption to affordable veterinary care, behavior support, education, and programs designed to keep pets with the families who love them. In 2024 alone, Furry Friends rescued more than 5,000 animals, completed more than 2,500 adoptions, and treated more than 250 critically injured or medically complex pets. Its Hope on Wheels program transports hundreds of animals from overcrowded Florida shelters to communities where adopters are waiting—creating room to save even more lives back home.
Runners-Up:
- Els for Autism
- Selfless Love Foundation
The Hometown Hero Award
Winner: Ashley Glass, WPTV-TV
For Ashley Glass, journalism is about more than delivering the news—it’s about using a platform to serve the people watching. During her tenure in South Florida, the local news anchor has told stories that help the community heal, stay informed, and take action. Her work extends beyond the newsroom through severe-weather coverage, veterans ceremonies, and youth-advocacy efforts. Her guiding question before pursuing a story says plenty: Will it make someone’s day better?
Runners-Up:
- Carolyn Mollo, Jupiter Medical Center
- Jessica Arnold, Toxi Taxi
The Most Valuable Volunteer Award
Winner: Bonnie Hampp, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonnie Hampp has logged more than 1,300 volunteer hours at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in just under four years. Her favorite role? Introducing school groups to Florida’s native wildlife and helping turn curiosity into conservation. Her versatility makes her invaluable behind the scenes; her warmth and knowledge make her just as memorable to the visitors she meets along the way.
Runners-Up:
- Glenda Hoops, Lighthouse ArtCenter
- Lyette Reback, Believe With Me
The Community Pillar Award
Winner: Justin Perrault, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Dr. Justin Perrault has spent his career proving that the work happening on our beaches has an impact far beyond them. The vice president of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Perrault has spent more than 20 years in marine science and nearly a decade at LMC, helping build its research program into an internationally recognized force in sea turtle health, toxicology, and tracking. His research has contributed to better treatment for turtles affected by red tide and stronger nest-protection practices, while his advocacy has extended
to Tallahassee: Perrault has helped shape six Florida House bills that secured nearly $1.5 million for water-quality and coastline initiatives.
Runners-Up:
- Lori Griffith, Chasin A Dream Foundation
- Travis Conway, Edna W. Runner Education Center
The Collaboration Award
Winner: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary + Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Launched in 2025, the yearlong veterinary internship developed by Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and Loggerhead Marinelife Center gives two recent veterinary graduates hands-on experience across marine and terrestrial wildlife medicine. Interns train in diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, research, and conservation medicine alongside season veterinary teams at both nonprofits.
Runners-Up:
- Dorothy & Sidney Kohl Jewish Volunteer Center + Palm Beach Atlantic University
-
Palm Beach Symphony + The School District of Palm Beach County
The Innovation Award
Winner: Center for Child Counseling: Mobile Hope Unit
Center for Child Counseling takes children’s mental-health services on the road, bringing screenings, early intervention, caregiver education, prevention programs, and referrals directly into neighborhoods, schools, and other community settings. Even its route is strategic: real-time data and geo-mapping identify areas where barriers like transportation, cost, stigma, and provider shortages can prevent families from seeking help. Supported by a network of partner sites, the model is designed to reach children earlier—before a
challenge becomes a crisis.
Runners-Up:
- The Eco Scouts
- Roots and Wings: Project UpLift
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