Genesis Awards Celebrates Sweet Sixteen

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: May 06, 2002 Source: PR Newswire Submitted By: Gina Cates ENCINO, Calif., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Genesis Awards has a long-standing tradition of moving its audience, and this year proved no different. The only televised awards special that honors individuals in the major media for spotlighting animal issues with courage, creativity and integrity brought 900 people to their feet with the help of celebrities, two heroic Labrador retrievers and one rock star. Presented by The Ark Trust, Inc., a national nonprofit animal protection organization, the Sixteenth Annual Genesis Awards was taped on March 16 in Beverly Hills and will air as a two-hour Television Special on Animal Planet, May 19 and May 25. Co-hosts Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me) and James Cromwell (Babe), were on hand to honor winners including the film Dr. Dolittle 2, TV shows Dharma & Greg, Providence, and Law & Order, as well as hard-hitting news shows such as Primetime Thursday, ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and MSNBC Investigates. "2001 was a vintage year for intelligent, ground-breaking material," Ark Trust President and Founder Gretchen Wyler said adding, "It runs the gamut from personal ethical questions about fishing for sport, to turkey at Thanksgiving, to the extreme cruelty of Japan's bear parks." Over twenty celebrity presenters turned out for the occasion, including Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), Charlotte Ross (NYPD Blue), Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond), Jessalyn Gilsig (Boston Public) and Ken Howard (Crossing Jordan). Academy Award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn accepted her Genesis Award as producer and star of the Lifetime made-for-TV movie Within These Walls, the true story of a prison dog-training program that exemplifies the human/canine relationship. Burstyn's award was presented by one-time onscreen "daughter" Linda Blair. Forever remembered for their roles in the film classic The Exorcist, the two happily shared the limelight without incident. For many, the show's most memorable segment was the "Tribute to the Animals Affected by September 11," honoring the animals impacted by unimaginable violence, including video footage from New York City, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Tribute culminated with a heartfelt speech by singer AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, who introduced Abby and Duke, two of the brave California search and rescue dogs who had helped at Ground Zero. The evening also included an appearance by Special Honoree Jill Robinson, whose efforts to end the cruel practice of bear bile farming in China were highlighted in Asian Geographic's Genesis Award-winning article "Bear Witness," a videotaped speech from outspoken animal advocate Senator Robert Byrd and a performance of the Genesis Award-winning song "Bearly Hangin' On" by Claude Carmichael and Pete Wasner. The Genesis Awards TV Special was produced by Paul Flattery, directed by Michael Dempsey and written by Mike Winikoff and Paul Flattery. Gretchen Wyler and Robert Halmi, Sr. are the executive producers. For a complete list of Genesis Awards winners please visit www.arktrust.org or call (818) 501-2275 ext. 14. Photos available upon request. The 2-hour Genesis Awards Television Special on Animal Planet will air: Sunday, May 19, 5 p.m. (ET) and 2 p.m. (PT) Saturday, May 25, 12 noon (ET) and 9 a.m. (PT) The 1-Hour Genesis Awards Highlights Show will air: Saturday, May 18, 10 p.m. (ET) and 7 p.m. (PT) Saturday, May 18, 1 a.m. (ET) and 10 p.m. (PT) For further information, please contact Janet Winikoff of The Ark Trust, Inc., +1-818-501-2275, media@arktrust.org Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: Barneyxcq 2dCI0Q http://www.LnAJ7K8QSpfMO2wQ8gO.com Submitted by: Mary Submitted by: Jennifer Submitted by: Kelly Submitted by: Ann Submitted by: Mark Submitted by: Eugene Submitted by: Kelly Submitted by: Mary Submitted by: Antony Comment on this item. Next Item: Nick Carter Racing Team Set for Hometown Debut in the Florida Keys Prev Item: Mint Jubilee bash was like a Hollywood party -- only more fun