Jupiter Realtor® Named Humanitarian of the Year
ORLANDO, Fla. – Proving that Realtors® make a difference, Florida Realtors® recognized Robert “Rob” Thomson, a member of the Palm Beach Board of Realtors, as its 2023 Humanitarian of the Year. The award was presented at the state association’s recent annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla.
He has long supported Big Dog Ranch Rescue, which helps dogs and military veterans.
Thomson was instrumental in helping Big Dog Ranch start training to pair service dogs with veterans to help with post-traumatic shock disorder (PTSD). He serves as vice president of the board and kickstarted a massive fundraising effort that raised $100,000 to improve the training facility, which means the ranch can now handle nearly 800 dogs.
Thomson was inspired by Big Dog Ranch Rescue because he personally understands the positive impact – the comfort and love – having a pet in the home brings to a family. A lifelong dog lover, he despises animal abuse. Through this program, veterans are paired with a four-legged companion, which greatly improves the quality of life for those who have served our country as well as saving many dogs’ lives.
Every year, Big Dog Ranch Rescue matches about 5,000 canines with veterans; since the program’s inception in 2008, about 50,000 dogs have found their loving homes and veteran partners.
While passionate about Big Dog Ranch, Thomson also supports many other causes that help and strengthen his community, including the Hanley Foundation, which is committed to helping to prevent and resolve youth substance abuse, and the Place of Hope’s Shade Tree Outreach Foundation.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research, and legislative representation to about 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom website is available at floridarealtors.org/newsroom