Posted: May 25, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
Rachael Ray, daytime TV host and bestselling author, has been awarded the North Shore Animal League America President’s Award for Humanitarian Excellence.
NSALA has chosen Ray as the recipient of this award for her efforts on behalf of companion animals, according to the no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. The award will be presented to her at the eighth annual Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, June 3.
Ray has helped charities that take care of animals through Rachael’s Rescue, which highlights animal welfare organizations such as NSALA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls (BAD RAP).
In 2008, Ray partnered with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition to develop Rachael Ray Nutrish, a line of dog food with real meat as its first ingredient and no byproducts. Proceeds from the sale of Nutrish are donated to pet charities.
"I am heartbroken by the thought of the millions of mistreated and abandoned animals taken in by shelters each year and in this depressed economy the problem may only get worse," Ray said in a statement. "I am deeply proud of the work we are able to undertake through Rachael's Rescue with our partner North Shore Animal League America and I look forward to continuing our work together helping animals in need."