AWARDS
2025 APR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Each year, Abandoned Pet Rescue recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in support of the organization.
David Banks
Volunteer of the Year
Fort Lauderdale Police Department Animal Crimes Unit
Gabrielle Lewis Animalitarian Award
Rayaan Olanipekun
Zachary Serra Memorial Scholarship
Larry Wallenstein
Outstanding Years of Service Award
PAST GABRIELLE LEWIS ANIMALITARIAN AWARD WINNERS
The Gabrielle Lewis Animalitarian Award was named in honor of APR youth volunteer Gabrielle Lewis who passed away too young in 2016 from a blood clot at 22 years old. Gabi loved volunteering with APR, especially in the cat rooms. This award celebrates her life by recognizing individuals who dedicate their lives to helping animals in our community.
2024 — Judy Hetlage
accepted by her daughters
2023 — Louis Aguirre
Local 10 News
2022 — Diane Ross
2020 — Linda Halverson
2019 — Dennis Rathbun
2018 — Robert Moelius
2017 — Kenny Walker
ENTERCOM Miami Radio
2016 — Barb Demott
2015 — Sue Ann Hansen and Al Guadagno
2014 — Jacey Birch
Local 10 News
2013 — Deborah and Scott Gronsbell
Volunteer of the Year Award
APR is fortunate to have hundreds of dedicated volunteers. The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award makes an extraordinary impact on the organization and the animals in our care.
2024 – Mary Helen Olejnik
Zachary Serra Memorial Scholarship,
underwritten by APR supporter Peter Loguidice
The Zachary (Zach) Serra Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of APR youth volunteer Zachary Serra who we lost in 2022 when he was just in high school. He volunteered at APR because of his love of animals and desire to provide community service. This scholarship supports an APR team member who exemplifies a passion for helping animals and is enrolled in school to further their education. The generous scholarship is underwritten by APR supporter Peter Loguidice.
2024 – Luna-Juliana Carvajal
Outstanding Years of Service Award
These individuals have bettered APR for more than 10 years and have made a substantial impact in helping the animals in our care.
2024 – Linda Halverson