Every November, the ASPCA takes time to proudly recognize heroes, both animal and human, at our annual Humane Awards Luncheon. This special event gives us the opportunity to honor inspirational animals and people across the country who are doing exceptional work in advancing the ASPCA’s mission of providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

This week at the 2019 Humane Awards Luncheon, we honored animal heroes as well as people who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion and commitment to animals in need. The Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday, November 14, in New York City at Cipriani 42^nd Street with WNBC anchor Chuck Scarborough returning as host.

This long-standing annual event brought together guests and long-time supporters such as Ellen Scarborough, Rikki Klieman, Mark F. Gilbertson, Arriana Boardman, Barbara Cates, Jeffrey A. Pfeifle, Allison Aston, Donna Jo Acquavella, Linda Lloyd Lambert, Caroline Hirsch, Sabrina and Michael Rudin, Jane W. Parver, ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker and more. The Luncheon was sponsored by Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group. Accommodations for our honorees were generously provided by the Loews Regency New York Hotel on Park Avenue and additional support was provided by west elm. Flowers were provided by Stonekelly.

The heroes recognized this year have demonstrated incredible commitment as animal welfare champions and were selected from a nationwide public call for nominations.

Left to Right: John Miller, Valerie Cramer, Sully (Public Service Award Recipient), Isaac Mizrahi (Presidential Service Award Recipient), Matt Bershadker, Abby Smith, Brady Snakovsky (Kid of the Year Award Recipient), Kelly Thompson, Tinia Creamer (Equine Welfare Award Recipient), Hannah Shaw (Cat Advocate of the Year Recipient), guest, Kathy McGuire, Gary McGuire and Sweet Pea (Dog of the Year Award Recipient).

This year’s honorees include: 

Ten-year-old Brady Snakovsky, who was awarded ASPCA Kid of the Year for identifying a life-threatening vulnerability for local police dogs and committing himself to their protection by raising funds for ballistic vests. 

Tinia Creamer, who courageously commits herself to the needs of vulnerable and victimized equines in underserved communities with the founding of Heart of Phoenix (HOP), the leading equine rescue and advocacy organization in West Virginia. She received the Equine Welfare award for her exceptional work.

Cat Advocate of the Year, Hannah “Kitten Lady” Shaw is one of the country’s most powerful allies for vulnerable cats and kittens. She creates important educational and inspirational services for the public and animal shelters and uses her voice to speak for the tiniest, most vulnerable fluffy friends. 

Dogfighting survivor and 2019 Dog of the Year, Sweet Pea, brings attention to the persistent crime and brutality of dogfighting. In addition, she’s busting breed stereotypes and inspiring donations for more animals in need.

Public Service Award Winner, Sully of America’s VetDogs, demonstrates outstanding dedication in his service to President Bush and the veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Felines & Canines’ Hunter Stephenson Rescue Center received the Henry Bergh Award for effectively addressing a life-threatening challenge for homeless animals in Alabama.

Isaac Mizrahi has continuously been a powerful voice for animals in need and a long-time supporter of the ASPCA, for this he was honored with the Presidental Service Award.

Read more about this special event and how your involvement can further our mission.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!