Ellen DeGeneres
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."