November 29th 2007
Featured Charity: Humane Society of the United States
Ecorazzi Exclusive with the Hollywood Office
Filed under: ecorazzi exclusive, featured charity — paige @ 10:23 am
Ecorazzi is always proud to report on the many Hollywood starlets that serve as leading voices when it comes to standing up for animal rights. And in many cases, celebrities often work with the Humane Society of the United States. HSUS is one of the leading non-profits in educating and raising awareness around animal cruelty and Ecorazzi’s first Featured Charity. We took some time to talk to Beverly Kaskey, Senior Director of The Hollywood Office of HSUS to learn more about the organization and how celebrities are playing an important role in educating people around animal issues.
E: Tell us about The Hollywood Office of the Human Society of the United States.
HSUS: We originally started as the ArkTrust and merged with HSUS in 2002. We are devoted to raising public awareness of animal issues by encouraging and honoring the major news and entertainment media. We believe that media is an extremely influential forum to inform, provoke and compel individuals to think differently about a whole range of social issues and educate about animal cruelty.
E: Tell us about the Genesis Awards.
HSUS: Animal advocate and actress Gretchen Wyler started the Genesis Awards in 1986. She came up with the idea because she strongly believed in rewarding members of the media who spotlight animal issues, thus increasing public awareness and compassion toward animals. The first event took place as a luncheon at the Bel Age Hotel drawing only 140 attendees and quickly grew into a large gala at the Beverly Hills Hilton with over 800 people. Wyler wanted to really honor the animal activism that really started the trend of animal activism in the 60s from starlets of that time period including Doris Day and Brigitte Bardot. In fact, there are now two awards - the Doris Day Music Award and the Brigitte Bardot International Award that are both highlighted during the gala.
