Comedian Carol Leifer Hosts North Shore Animal League America's Annual Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon

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May 14, 2010, 03:14 ET

Ilusion Millan, President of the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation Honored

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, will honor several individuals, organizations, and a hero pet at its ninth annual Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100514/DC05291-a)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100514/DC05291-b)

The event, which is being held at the Garden City Hotel, Garden City, New York on Wednesday, June 9 beginning at 12 noon, will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and stand-up comedian Carol Leifer. A Long Island native, Carol is the proud owner of seven rescued dogs.

Pet advocate and educator Ilusion Millan is among the honorees, accepting the prestigious President's Award for Humanitarian Excellence in acknowledgement of her compassionate work on behalf of children and animals, as well as her philanthropic support from the Millan Foundation for the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum – an innovative school program initiative that will help teach children critical social and emotional skills.

The Lewyt Humane Awards are being presented to those whose actions reflect the Animal League's mission to rescue, nurture and adopt orphaned animals into loving homes. The honorees are:

President's Award for Humanitarian Excellence – awarded to Ilusion Millan for her compassion for children and animals, as well as her generosity and support of the Animal League and other charities that provide for homeless pets.

Scarlett Award for Animal Heroism – awarded to Oliver Scarborough. The actions of this wonderful dog saved the life of his sibling cat Stanley from the jaws of a coyote. Oliver's act of bravery reflects the very spirit of this heroic award.

The Alex Lewyt Award for Mill Dog Rescue – awarded to National Mill Dog Rescue for their pioneering work to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home mill dogs, and to educate the general public about the realities of the commercial dog-breeding industry.

Friend of the League Award – awarded to John Bartlett in recognition of his dedication to shelter animals. He's inspired the highest standards of concern for animals as an adopter of a special needs animal, reflecting the mission of the Animal League.

Heart of Hope Award – awarded to Dr. Jennifer Jablow for her relentless efforts as a supporter and devoted friend. Her personal outreach helps us attract supporters and media, thus elevating our cause and profile.

Media Award of Distinction – awarded to Getty Images for its leadership in media in creating awareness of animal cruelty as well as the need to adopt shelter pets. Getty has demonstrated understanding of the needs of many worthy organizations that rely on media to convey the message of innocent pets.

Spirit of Compassion Award – awarded to Lee Fosters Rescue, Wytheville County Humane and Pulaski County Humane Society for their dedication to saving the lives of dogs from euthanasia due largely to overcrowding of animal shelters.

Proceeds of the luncheon, named in honor of Animal League founders, the late Alex Lewyt, and his wife Elisabeth Lewyt, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, benefit North Shore Animal League America's mission to rescue, nurture and adopt over 18,000 homeless animals annually.

To purchase tickets or for more information on the Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon, contact [email protected] or 516.883.7900 ext 821 or visit www.AnimalLeague.org.

Devera Lynn

516.883.7633

516.474.5332

[email protected]

SOURCE North Shore Animal League America