ASPCA Awards Ellen DeGeneres the ASPCA Founders Award for Her Lifetime Dedication to Promoting Kindness and Compassion to Animal

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Thursday, 15 January 2004

Comedian/Talk Show Host to Donate Proceeds of eBay Auction to Benefit Animals.

Yesterday, nationally acclaimed television personality Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Founder's Award for her lifelong dedication to the promotion of kindness and compassion towards animals.

Each year, the ASPCA awards humane heroes for their extraordinary dedication on behalf of animals. The ASPCA Founder's Award is given to an individual who has worked most of their lives to improve the health and welfare of animals. The Founder's Award honors Henry Bergh who started the nation's oldest and largest humane organization in 1866.

"Ms. DeGeneres regularly promotes pet adoption on her weekly talk show 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and made special pleas during the California wildfires for the rescue of pets that were affected by the tragedy," said Edwin J. Sayres, ASPCA President. "Her support for the millions of companion animals in need of homes at shelters nationwide is critical in helping to educate Americans about the importance of pet adoption, and other humane issues. We are extremely grateful for her ongoing commitment to promote kindness and compassion."

In addition, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" is currently listing items at eBay for auction. The animal lover and comedian/talk show host has placed a specially created set of twin-sized bedding featuring her own likeness (one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases) up for auction on eBay, with all proceeds to benefit the ASPCA. The item will close bidding on January 18, 2004 at 7:00 am PT. As of Thursday morning, bidding on auction items had reached $18,000.

Past recipients of the ASPCA Founders Award include Mary Tyler Moore (2002), Kuki Gallman (2001), Betty White (1997), Tippi Hedron (1996), Dr. Jane Goodall (1988) and Bob Barker (1987). The ASPCA also honors animal heroes that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts on behalf of humans.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org