Posted: April 21, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has selected Martha Stewart as the recipient of the Presidential Service Award.
The award will be presented by Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO, at the 12th Annual ASPCA Bergh Ball on Wednesday, April 23, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. "The ASPCA is delighted to honor Martha Stewart for her dedication to promoting compassion toward animals and for her continued celebration of the important human-animal bond," Sayres said.
Stewart was selected for embodying the values of the honor’s purpose, he added. The award recognizes individuals who have made a commitment to animals and have gone above and beyond for animal welfare and its mission, according to the organization.
The Bergh Ball is an annual black-tie gala that draws a crowd of animal enthusiasts who are invited to dine and dance in support of the organization’s mission, “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., stated: "My life has been greatly enriched by the many pets I have cared for over the years. I am deeply committed to the values the ASPCA embraces, and am honored to be receiving this award."