Terry Bradshaw And Beth Stern To Headline 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™

STUDIO CITY, Calif., July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Humane Association and Hallmark Channel announced today that sports legend, broadcaster, and actor Terry Bradshaw will join forces with TV personality and renowned animal advocate Beth Stern to shine a spotlight on some of America's top dogs as co-hosts of the 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™.  Celebrating the country's most courageous canines, the Hero Dog Awards will tape at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 27 and will be broadcast nationwide as a two-hour special this fall on Hallmark Channel.

Presented by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards program seeks to identify and recognize America's canine heroes – dogs who do such extraordinary things as rescuing the lost and injured; protecting our armed forces overseas; guiding the seeing-impaired; lending comfort to the sick; exposing arson; detecting cancer; acting as loyal K-9 partners to our police men and women; and simply enriching countless lives every day as our loving, faithful friends.

Hero dogs across the country have been nominated in eight categories: Law Enforcement Dogs, Military Dogs, Arson Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Emerging Hero Dogs (for ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things). Following the first round of voting in which more than 1 million ballots were cast, 24 spectacular semifinalists (the top three in each category) were chosen to advance to the semifinals, in which eight finalists will be named to compete for the title of 2014 American Hero Dog.

"For thousands of years, dogs have protected us, comforted us, and given us their unconditional love," said Mr. Bradshaw. "The least we can do is to honor them on their special night every fall. I'm proud to do my part for our best friends."

"I've been an animal lover my whole life and these animals deserve an extra-large helping of love," said Ms. Stern. "After all they've done for us, it is finally time for every dog to have his day, and I'm here to help."

Finalists in each of the eight categories will be flown to Hollywood with two of their human friends to the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards gala in Los Angeles, where they will walk the red carpet, conduct VIP interviews, and be honored at the awards show and black-tie gala, culminating with the announcement of the 2014 American Hero Dog. Each of the eight finalists will win $1,500 for their chosen charity selected from the contest's list of 15 charity partners. The top winner will win an additional $5,000 for their charity partner.

"We're thrilled to have two American heroes – a sports hero and a hero to animals in need – serve as the voices for those courageous canines who change and even save lives every day," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "Thank you for helping us turn a spotlight on these remarkable animals."

"Terry Bradshaw and Beth Stern share a deep love of animals and are passionate advocates for their welfare, making them the perfect co-hosts of the 2014 Hero Dog Awards," said Bill Abbott, president and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. "Each of them will bring a unique talent and sensibility to the program and we are so pleased they will help us honor this year's very special dogs, while also raising the overall profile of our canine heroes everywhere."

Bradshaw's Impressive Background
Terry Bradshaw, the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback, has an impressive background. Bradshaw is currently touring the country with his show, "Terry Bradshaw: America's Favorite Dumb Blonde…A Life in Four Quarters," where he entertains audiences with a memorable night of singing, dancing and comedic storytelling. The first player chosen in the 1970 draft, Bradshaw became one of the most successful quarterbacks in history, leading the Steelers to an unprecedented four Super Bowl championships – a feat that has only been duplicated by one other quarterback since. He also helped lead his team to six AFC championship games and eight straight playoff appearances from 1972 to 1979. Bradshaw, a two-time Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XIII and XIV, was also a four-time All-Pro. His 13-year career came to an end just prior to the 1984 season due to an elbow injury. Bradshaw joined CBS Sports as an NFL game analyst in 1984 and then became a studio analyst on "The NFL Today" for four seasons beginning in 1990. During his last two years as an NFL game analyst for CBS, Bradshaw served in an acclaimed partnership with play-by-play announcer Verne Lundquist. Prior to his full-time work for the network, he was a guest commentator for CBS Sports' NFC postseason broadcasts from 1980 to 1982. He appeared as a contributor on the "Super Bowl Today" programs for Super Bowls XVI, XXIV and XXVI. Bradshaw has been with "FOX NFL Sunday" since its inception in 1994. Over the span of his career, Bradshaw has been honored with multiple titles and awards.  The Associated Press, Sport magazine, and the Maxwell Club of Philadelphia named him "NFL Player of the Year" in 1978. In 1979, he shared Sports Illustrated's "Man of the Year" award with Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1989, Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. In July 1997, Bradshaw returned to Canton, Ohio to serve as presenter when the late Mike Webster, his center on the Steelers' four Super Bowl title teams, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.  He was named 1999's "Man of the Year" by the Big Sisters of America and 2000's "Father of the Year" by the National Father's Day Council. In April 2001, Bradshaw added yet another prestigious distinction as he was presented with the "NFL Alumni Career Achievement Award." In 2002, he became the NFL's first player to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bradshaw is also an Emmy award-winner with eight nominations for "Outstanding Sports Personality" and three wins in 2000, 2002 and 2009. In addition to his football and broadcasting career, Bradshaw has recorded gospel and country albums, scoring a top ten hit with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," a cover of a song by Hank Williams. He has appeared in several feature films, including the blockbuster romantic comedy "Failure to Launch," as well as "Hooper" and "Cannonball Run."  He has guest starred in many television series including "Las Vegas," "Married with Children," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Eight Simple Rules," "Evening Shade," "Hardcastle and McCormick," "The Simpsons," "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." and more. He also holds the record as a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," having appeared more than 50 times on the popular television show.  Bradshaw has written five books and became a New York Times best-selling author with his acclaimed autobiography, "It's Only a Game," in 2001.  His other autobiographies include: "Keep it Simple" in 2002, "Looking Deep" in 1989, "Terry Bradshaw: Man of Steel" in 1979 and "No Easy Game" in 1973.

Beth Stern a Longtime Champion of Animals
Pennsylvania native Beth Stern was born in July 1972. Her mother was a relatively accomplished model, and ushered Beth into fashion shows when she was only nine years old.  Beth moved to New York at 19 and was soon sent to Europe, where she spent four years doing European catalogues and magazines in Germany, Paris, Milan, South Africa, and Spain.  Upon returning to New York, she continued her work in catalogues and national commercials.  Although she has appeared in a few movies, she does not consider herself an actress. Beth's simple, successful life and career would soon be turned upside down after one very special dinner party. Though neither was supposed to attend, Beth hit it off with Howard Stern at a New York City restaurant in 2000. While he was accustomed to the media hype, Beth was unprepared for all the attention she received. She remained in the background for some time, deflecting questions or avoiding the paparazzi altogether. Finally, after FHM readers ranked her among the Top 100 Sexiest Women of the Year, she decided to emerge from her shell and did a cover shoot for the magazine. Beth and Howard were married in October 2008, and she now goes by Beth Stern. Since her relationship with Howard Stern went public, Beth has become a household name.  She regularly graces magazine covers and continues to work as a special correspondent for EXTRA and Entertainment Tonight, most recently as the host of the HGTV series "Mom Caves" and the HGTV special "Posh Pets" and host of the Nat Geo WILD series "Spoiled Rotten Pets," and Hallmark Channel's annual "Kitten Bowl." She's been a guest on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Regis & Kelly, Rachael Ray, Ellen, Nate Berkus, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Michael, The Steve Harvey Show, and Fox & Friends. She was a co-host of the ABC series True Beauty and served as a mentor on America's Next Top Model and She's Got the Look. Beth uses her spot in the public eye to educate the public about animal rescue as the national spokesperson for North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal shelter. Her New York Times Bestselling book, Oh My Dog: How to Choose, Train, Groom, Nurture, Feed, and Care for Your New Best Friend, was released in May 2010.

She and her husband have 6 rescue cats and continue to foster special needs' cats and kittens. They have successfully fostered and placed over 50 cats and kittens to date.

Event Draws Animal Lovers and Celebs
This star-studded Hero Dog Awards draws dog lovers and celebrities from all over the world. Celebrity presenters and the celebrity judges who work with the public on the final two rounds of voting to determine the semi-finalists and winner have included Victoria Stilwell, Betty White, Joey Lawrence, Miranda Lambert, Kristin Chenoweth, Candy Spelling, and many, many more.

"We are delighted to have Terry Bradshaw and Beth Stern as the two newest humane heroes on our team," said philanthropist and Hero Dog Awards supporter Lois Pope. "It has been my honor to serve as the presenting sponsor of the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards for the past three years and this show of support from some of America's most recognized personalities will help bring these four-legged heroes the recognition they so richly deserve."

More information about the 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™, including complete contest rules, voting information, and ways to buy tickets to the September 27 event can be found at www.herodogawards.org.

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of 86 million subscribers. Hallmark Channel is the nation's leading destination for quality family programming with an ambitious slate of TV movies; original scripted series, including Cedar Cove, When Calls the Heart, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered; specials such as Kitten Bowl; as well as some of television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier. The channel is also home to Daytime Emmy-nominated lifestyle program, Home & Family, a daily two-hour live show shot in a fully functional house located on the Universal Studios lot. Hallmark Channel's sibling network, Hallmark Movie Channel, available in HD and SD, focuses on family-friendly movies with a mix of original films, classic theatrical releases, and presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library.

For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com

Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter (Join the conversation at #HeartofTV), Pinterest, GetGlue, YouTube

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)
Lois Pope is one of America's leading philanthropists and humanitarians. Through her various charitable mechanisms, including the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., she is devoted to saving lives, helping people help themselves, improving the quality of life for families in need and encouraging young Americans to become leaders by helping others. Her foundations also provide awards for medical research, college scholarships, humanitarian relief, the performing arts, and animal welfare. Among the many organizations that benefit from her leadership are American Humane Association; the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, which she founded to spearhead the development of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, the nation's first and only permanent public tribute to the three million living disabled American veterans and the thousands who have died; the University of Miami, where her major contribution endowed the Lois Pope LIFE Center, the top catastrophic neurological research facility in the world and home to the renowned Miami Project to Cure Paralysis; Leaders in Furthering Education, which has provided a summer camp experience for more than 15,000 disadvantaged and special needs children, as well as college scholarship support to dozens of disadvantaged high school students who aspire to careers as physicians/researchers; Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's Red Cross, for new ambulances; and the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League for a new mobile pet adoption unit. A mother and a grandmother, Lois has trained for and completed five New York City Marathons. For more information about LIFE visit www.life-edu.org.

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SOURCE American Humane Association

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