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23rd Genesis Awards 2009 Honors Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, & More!

"Being extremely empathetic to animals since childhood, I experience great joy through them and desperate despair when thinking about their suffering at the hands of cruelty.  The first Genesis Awards I attended three years ago helped lift this burden, because I saw there were others who felt just as deeply about animals - great warriors who literally risked their lives in undercover work - people who dedicated their lives to saving animals and ending suffering - people who go under-cover and witness unbearable haunting cruelty only to save those not yet caught in that fate. The Genesis Awards is filled with such warriors. What a humbling and simultaneously uplifting experience just to be in their presence - just to be in that room.  Each year the experience of the awards intensifies for me and affirms the path of the HSUS mission, to celebrate animals and confront cruelty.  We are blessed to have animals in our lives and to have such warriors as inspiration and leaders in this journey as honored and highlighted by The Genesis Awards."

- Megan Blake, pet expert/host on Animal Attractions TV, pet columnist, rescuer and advocate: www.meganblake.com

Wayne Pacelle with Genesis Award Honorees Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres - photo courtesy of HSUS

And Megan Blake is just one great example of the many terrific people who attended the 23rd Genesis Awards March 28th at the Beverly Hilton!

There were throngs of celebrities who volunteered their presence to help draw attention to animals and animal cruelty prevention. The Genesis Awards was founded by Gretchen Wyler 23 years ago to applaud media and individuals who draw attention to animal welfare issues and abuse prevention.

The Social Diary's Kima learning from the best, actress Jennifer Coolidge

Among the celebrity attendees there included: "Gabrielle Anwar (Burn Notice), Jennifer Coolidge, (Best in Show), James Cromwell (24), Kaley Cuoco (Big Ban Theory), Emily Deschanel (Bones), Jorja Fox (CSI), Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Marg Helgenberger (CSI), Kelly Hu (The Tournament), Carrie Ann Inaba (Dancing with the Stars), Claudia Jordan (Deal or No Deal), Wendie Malick (Confessions of a Shopaholic), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Esai Morales (Jericho), Maggie Q (Mission Impossible 3), Jillian Reynolds (Good Day L.A.), Reid Scott (My Boys), Ben Stein, Susanna Thompson (Kings), Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds), Michael Vartan (Alias), Persia White (Girlfriends), and Marley the dog (Marley and Me)."

Marley was one of 22 'Marley's. And he was an adorable draw.

Among the celebrity tidbits gleaned from the evening:: Megan Blake lives on a ranch with quite a few adopted horses, feral cats and dogs. She also has a terrific show called Animal Attractions TV.

Entertainment Attorney Kim Swartz with his wife Megan Blake, pet expert/host on Animal Attractions TV, pet columnist, rescuer and advocate: www.meganblake.com

Young, almost 13 year old actor Dominic Scott Kay has only adopted animals at his house. But he's done even more than just act. Dominic wrote, directed and starred in a short movie called 'Saving Angelo.' The story is based on a white boxer that he and his family found near dead on the side of the road. The release is skedded soon. But the story continued. The Kay family gave the rescue to a fireman who was heartbroken over losing a dog. Happily, Dominic still has visiting rights. By the way, Dominic's eyes lit up when he met The Social Diary's Kima. You see the boxer he found he named Kuma!

Above and Below, Dominic Scott Kay

And Kima had a great time meeting quite a few others including Burn Notice's Gabrielle Anwar. Gabrielle said she had just adopted her 6th dog the week before.

Above and Below Gabrielle Anwar

On the left, Gabrielle Anwar doing a great imitation of a tired Kima

Persia White and James Cromwell were both there. If it's about animals, these two are always there in support. They were in San Diego last October for a Prop2 fundraiser at the home of Pam and Jerry Cesak. And they always support the Genesis Awards.

By the way Jerry Cesak of San Diego's Jeff and Jer Radio Show, and his wife did attend the Genesis Awards too!

Pamela Bertsch from Texas had a terrific time. "Attending The HSUS' 23rd Annual Genesis Awards was not only an entertaining and uplifting experience for me, but getting the chance to meet so many incredible heroes such as Heather Mills, Bill Smith, Tom Rider and Scotlund Haisley made the evening even more special.  I was especially thrilled to see my friend Brad Woodard, news reporter with KHOU out of Houston win his 10th Genesis Award as well as George Knapp, news reporter with KLAS - Las Vegas win his very first Genesis Award!"

And the awards were many. As listed by the Humane Society:
"Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, the leading ladies of syndicated daytime television, and Portia de Rossi, star of ABC’s Better Off Ted, were among the distinguished media honorees at The 23rd Genesis Awards, presented on Saturday, March 28, at The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, Calif. by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest animal protection organization.

This annual celebration of the news and entertainment media’s coverage of animal issues bestowed the Outstanding Talk Show award upon The Oprah Winfrey Show for highlighting the cruelty of puppy mills, dogfighting, and factory farming, while the prestigious Wyler Award went to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi for their personal efforts in raising awareness of California’s Prop 2 and the inhumane treatment of factory farm animals.

''The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show both took coverage of animal protection issues to another level in 2008,' said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “There can be no doubt that animal protection concerns are a mainstream sensibility, and we are so grateful to these syndicated talk shows for helping spread a message of compassion and decency to millions of Americans.”

Other major winners announced at the gala ceremony included Walt Disney Pictures’ Academy Award-nominated Bolt, which scooped the Outstanding Feature Film category, Fox’s The Simpsons, snagging its 5th Sid Caesar Comedy Award, and ABC TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, which picked up the Outstanding Drama Award.

In the world of network broadcast news, ABC News took home the big prizes with 20/20 receiving the Outstanding TV Newsmagazine - National prize and World News With Charles Gibson winning the Outstanding National News Feature award. HBO’s Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel was named Outstanding National Newsmagazine – Cable.

Among the print journalism wins were USA Today for Outstanding Series of Newspaper Articles, Sports Illustrated in the Outstanding Magazine category, and Newsweek as Outstanding Newsmagazine.

In addition to honoring 19 winners, The 23rd Genesis Awards was dedicated to ending the commercial Canadian seal hunt and, in doing so, gave special recognition to HSUS’s celebrity campaign spokesperson, photographer, and America’s Next Top Model judge, Nigel Barker. Nigel, who has witnessed the seal slaughter first-hand, introduced a segment illustrating the beauty of the ice floes and the baby seals and appealing for eco-tourism, not hunting. He also acknowledged celebrity activist Heather Mills, who was in the audience, for her efforts to spotlight the hunt and to raise awareness on a wide range of other issues.

But the evening was not without its humorous moments with comedians Bill Maher, Carol Leifer and Lily Tomlin lending a satirical take on the way humans treat animals.

The 23rd Genesis Awards was made possible in part by our corporate sponsors: Market Development Group, BeKind.org, Poker Stars.net and Prai Beauty Group.

THE 23rd GENESIS AWARDS WINNERS

FEATURE FILM

BOLT Walt Disney Pictures
For the charming tale of a movie star dog who discovers the pleasures of real dog life, along with the sad truth about unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs.

SID CAESAR COMEDY AWARD
THE SIMPSONS Apocalypse Cow - FOX
For telling it like it really is about the fate of 4-H club animals, and the bleak, inhumane nature of factory farming, with that inimitable “Simpsons” humor and particular take on the world.

DRAMATIC SERIES
GREY’S ANATOMY Life During Wartime - ABC For a thought-provoking approach to the ethical issues of using live animals in medical research and training that dares to question both its medical value and a doctor’s role in preserving all life.

CHILDRENS PROGRAMMING
HANDY MANNY Manny’s Mouse Traps - Disney Channel For imaginatively delivering the message that even so called “pest” animals deserve to be treated humanely.

TV NEWSMAGAZINE – NATIONAL
20/20 Elephant PTSD – ABC
For chronicling the troubled history of elephants in captivity, and why many experts believe the world’s largest mammal does not belong in a circus or a zoo.

TV NEWSMAGAZINE – CABLE

REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL Hidden Horses - HBO
For a graphic and disturbing report on the journey many young, healthy horses take from the track to the auction house, and finally, to foreign slaughterhouses where they killed for human consumption.


NATIONAL NEWS FEATURE
WORLD NEWS WITH CHARLES GIBSON multiple segments - ABC For reporting on the unsuitability of monkeys as pets, a horse trainer who saves discarded racehorses from slaughter, the efforts to save the Nepalese rhinoceros from extinction, the battle being waged for and against the wolf, and Madeleine Pickens’ extraordinary bid to save America’s mustangs.

LOCAL NEWS SERIES
KGO-TV [Bay Area] I-Team Investigation: Battery Cages
For a pivotal 3-part investigation opening the public’s eyes to the horrific conditions endured by battery caged hens in a Bay Area factory farm, which may well have contributed to the passing of Prop 2, which phases out certain cruel factory farming methods in California.

KLAS-TV 8 [Las Vegas] Elephant Abuse: Life on the Road For a hard hitting 3-part probe into the Ringling Bros. Circus, which questions its training methods and the inherent cruelty of keeping wild animals in confinement and forcing them to perform.

LOCAL NEWS FEATURE

KHOU-TV – [Houston] Slaughtergate
For continuing to highlight the plight of America’s horses, who are being transported across the border in appalling conditions only to be slaughtered in Mexico by the most horrific means.

TV DOCUMENTARY
BLINDERS - Documentary Channel
For exposing the dangers facing carriage horses as they work the busy streets of New York City, and the inadequate, soulless conditions in which most of these unfortunate “tourist attractions” are housed.

UNSCRIPTED TELEVISION SERIES
30 DAYS Animal Rights – FX
For providing the audience with a primer on animal protection issues that also serves as an unexpected epiphany for one hardened hunter who is transformed into a sympathetic animal activist.

TALK SHOW
THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW multiple shows - syndicated For raising awareness of three of the most pervasive forms of animal cruelty: the barbaric sport of dog fighting, the horrors of puppy mills, and the inhumane confinement of animals raised for food on factory farms.

BRIGITTE BARDOT INTERNATIONAL
THE MONG LAH CONNECTION [Sweden/Worldwide] For a shocking look at the illegal, yet flagrantly open, trade in exotic and endangered live animals sold for food and traditional Chinese medicine along the China/Myanmar border.

SERIES OF NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
USA TODAY multiple articles by Sharon L. Peters For a prodigious array of articles, spotlighting many important companion animal issues, including urban youth and dog fighting, foreclosures and pets, havens for domestic violence victims and their pets, and the role of pets in helping the sick.

NEWS MAGAZINE
NEWSWEEK Extinction Trade by Sharon Begley For revealing the links between the poaching of endangered species and militia and terrorist organizations, which present a potential new and ominous threat to both human beings and the world’s dwindling wildlife.

MAGAZINE
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED The Good News Out of The Bad Newz Kennels by Jim Gorant
For an inspiring report on the rehabilitation of Michael Vick’s dogs, which does not shy away from describing the cruelty endured by all dogs involved in the shameful “sport” of dog fighting.

BRIGITTE BARDOT INTERNATIONAL PRINT
DAILY MAIL (UK) multiple articles by Danny Penman
For bold, passionate, and well-argued condemnations of three of the worst forms of animal cruelty and exploitation: the Canadian seal hunt, bullfighting, and wild animals in circuses.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION
SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS multiple editorials
For an unrivalled series of year-long, hard-hitting and dogged editorials calling attention to myriad local and national animal protection issues.

THE WYLER AWARD
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
For using their compassion and celebrity to stand up for animals, and making the case that all animals deserve humane treatment, including those raised for food."

Lorri Houston, President of the Animal Acres, the Los Angeles Farmed Animal Sanctuary & Compassionate Living Center, was quite enthusiastic about the evening. "Inspiring, Enlightening, and Entertaining – another fabulous Genesis Awards for the animals! Thank YOU from ALL of us at Animal Acres."

Pamela Bertsch had this to say in conclusion. "As I watched the smiles and applause from the crowd erupt each time an award was presented it took me back to my thoughts of Gretchen Wyler, founder of The Genesis Awards.  She was not forgotten as so many thanked, remembered and mentioned how much they missed her.  None of this would have been possible without her drive and determination to reward the media for their hard work in exposing tough animal issues to the general public.God bless The Humane Society of the U.S.!"

And Pamela and many of her friends are already looking forward to next year's Genesis Awards. In the meanwhile she went home to Texas, adopted a puppy mill rescue, and picketed peacefully a few stores that sell puppy mill dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting animal cruelty — On the web at www.humanesociety.org " & Genesis Awards.

Enjoy the Photos

Actress/ Model Claudia Jordan with Kima ** Actress Persia White

"Marley' with Pamela Bertsch - photo courtesy PB

Above and below, Author Tamar Geller

Pamela Bertsch with Heather Mills - photo courtesy of PB

Michael Vartan with Kima ** James Cromwell with Kima

Kima kissing Michael Vartan ** Actress Tiffany Fallon

Pamela Bertsch with Scotlund Haisley - photo courtesy of PB

Actor Dominic Scott Kay with Kima

Above and below, Actor Reid Scott

Kima taking a timeout with Mommie ** Celebrity Apprentice's Claudia Jordan

Kima checking in with Sue Blackmore. Sue is terrifically organized for the Genesis Awards. Sue works out of the Hollywood Office for the Humane Society United States

Constance Marie ** Maggie Q under camera lights ** Jorja Fox

Jorja Fox answering animal related question from the press ** Gabrielle Anwar of Burn Notice

Gabrielle Anwar ** Candy Spelling

Esai Morales with Candy Spelling

Esai Morales giving Kima a kiss ** Heather Mills

Above and below, Heather Mills with Kima

Kima listening to Heather Mills every word

Jillian Reynolds ** Jennifer Cooldige

Jennifer Coolidge with Corey Feldman ** Corey Feldman

Susie Feldman ** Corey Feldman getting a big Kima Kiss!

Sponsor BeKind.org's Frances Hayward** Scott Johnston with Kima on the Red Carpet**Actor Mariana Tosca

Hal Sparks is a yummy Vegan says Kima

Kima with Michael Vartan

Heather Mills comforting Kima about having to go

A terrific HSUS Volunteer

Scott Johnston and Kima with Susie Feldman

Tamar Geller ** Megan Blake

Actor Mariana Tosca ** Nigel Barker

Claudia Jordan ** Constance Marie

Kima loving Hal Sparks

Kima with Michael Varton

Tiffany Fallon above and below

Reid Scott

Cathy Kangas with Kima and Scott Johnston

Cathy Kangas's Father Roy Stephens saying hi to Kima too!

Sue Blackmore with Kima

Above and below, Maggie Q with Kima

'The Bachelor' Matt Grant ** 'It's Me or the Dog's' Victoria Stilwell

Former Oakland Raiders' Jared Cooper ** Jorja Fox on the Red Carpet

Gabrielle Anwar of Burn Notice ** Persia White

Above and below, Persia White meeting and greeting Kima

CSI's Charlotte Ross ** Guests

Tamar Geller posing with Kima ** Candy Spelling

Candy Spelling with Kima!

Candy Spelling with Esai Morales

Above and below, Kima loving Heather Mills

Heather Mills in a pretty dress

Jillian Reynolds ** Jennifer Coolidge

Michael Vartan with Kima

Jennifer Coolidge scratching the sweet spot with Kima

Susie Feldman with Kima

Above and below, Susie Feldman working some tummy rubbing magic with Kima

Kima with Susie and Corey Feldman

Corey and Susie Feldman

James Cromwell and Laurie Croga

Above and Below, Hal Sparks mugging it up with Kima

The Social Diary would like to say a special thank you to the Genesis Awards' Organizers, in particular to Sue Blackmore, to Beverly Kaskey from the Hollwood office, to Wayne Pacelle and bravo's to Ellen, Portia, Oprah, Megan Blake, James Cromwell and all of the other wonderful people who support animal rights and education.

Please spay, neuter, adopt

Reported by Margo Schwab, Scott Johnston and Kima, a German Boxer Rescue... all wearing hand painted Jordan Art Couture,

because Jordan supports animals....and people too!

The Buzz

San Diego Songstress Sacha Boutros has been having a great tour over in Japan. Good news on her latest CD was voted #7 in the country ... not bad for San Diegan gal with a 4 and 1/2 octave range and five languages under her belt. Sacha doesn't speak Japanese yet, but the way her tour is going, she is picking up some of the lingo.

Special thanks to the Peninsula Hotel for making Kima's stay, star worthy.... she loved the special doggy menu, especially the Bow Wow Burger. And if you happen to stay there.... Mary in the spa does the best foot reflexology. Tops!

Upcoming Events

April 25th - Red Shoe Ball celebrating the opening of the new Ronald McDonald House. Please visit www.RMHSD.org for more details and tickets.

May 1st - A fundraiser for Childhelp with a red white and blue theme. For more information please visit www.reddressball.com

May 2nd - Helen Woodward Animal Center will be holding its Annual Therapeutic Riding Horse Show followed by cocktails at Jacqui Grande's ranch, Oakridge Farm. Please ring 760-233-2135 for details.

May 2nd - The San Diego Humane Society will be holding its fundraising walk. Please visit www.sdhumane.org for details.

May 9th - The feast of the feast many of the top San Diego restaurants! Mama's Kitchen will host their popular event at the Hyatt Aventine in La Jolla. Please visit Tickets are on sale now at www.mamaskitchen.org for tickets.

May 14th - TV Fashion Personality Leonard Simpson presents"Fashion Hits a High Note" the Lyric Opera San Diego's 30th Anniversary and the Birch North Park Theatre's 80th Birthday. Sally B. Thornton is Honorary Chair. To be held at the Birch North Park Theatre. VIP Gold Circle Tickets: $50, Reserved Seating: $35 (619) 239-8836 www.birchnorthparktheatre.net

May 16th - A Cheetah fundraiser in Pasadena with world renown Dr. Laurie Marker. Please visit www.cheetah.org for details.

May 21st - CCSSD will host its annual tea with Keynote Speaker Marian Wright Edelman. Please click www.ccssd.org for tickets.

June 6th - The Arthritis Foundation walk. The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. It is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children doctor-diagnosed with arthritis.

And Kima is the Dog Honoree for the walk! So 'Let's Move Together!'

To learn more about arthritis and this walk, please visit

www.arthritis-sandiego.org/walk

Dogs get Arthritis too!

June 20th - RITZ, San Diego Zoo Gala Fundraiser

Save the Date

July 30th - 'After the Finish Line's' summer fundraiser, A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds

August 1st - Old Globe Gala

August 8th - Jewel Ball

August 15th - The Fur Ball at the San Diego Humane Society

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email TheSocialDiary.com

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Email Commentary to be added

email editor@thesocialdiary.com l

Loved the photos you sent me of Kima on the Red Carpet. - Lizz Russell

Kima was the STAR of the event and I loved your matching outfits! - Tina Real

Wonderful coverage! Kima was a STAR and much adored it appears. And you looked spectacular as well! - Pamela Pogue

Great photos, Margo! - Karen Miller, President of St. Germaine's Children's Charities

Think Kima was the hit of the night! - Lynda Kerr

The photos of Kima are WAY adorable!!!  -Pamela Bertsch

Thank you for this - Mike Liotta

Party Archives

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* Margo Schwab, more formally known as Margaret E. Schwab, has produced, written, interviewed and photographed for various media organizations since 1989. Schwab attended Holton Arms School, La Jolla Country Day School and La Jolla High School. Schwab has a B.A. from Scripps College, spent a business internship with S.A.I.C., Science Applications International Corporation, and earned a Masters of Business degree, M.B.A., from the University of San Diego. Schwab additionally took college courses from Harvard University, and Syracuse University. Schwab volunteers for numerous charity organizations. She also continues to support animal organizations and the prevention of people and animal abuse. Schwab is the editor of The Social Diary.

The Social Diary is pleased to announce new partnerships with the San Diego Humane Society and San Diego News Network.

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2009 copyright of The Social Diary, San Diego Social Diary

no reproduction of any part or parts is allowed without written permission by The Social Diary