New York Socialite and Designer Tinsley Mortimer Named American Humane Association National Ambassador

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tinsley Mortimer, New York City socialite and handbag designer, will serve as a National Ambassador for American Humane Association, the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals. In this role, she will support American Humane Association's work speaking out, advocating and acting on behalf of those who cannot speak up for themselves.

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"American Humane Association is excited to have Tinsley Mortimer serve as our National Ambassador in 2011," said American Humane Association President and Chief Executive Officer Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D. "We greatly enjoyed working with Tinsley during our Adopt-A-Dog Month® in October to raise awareness and support for our Second Chance® Fund, which helps abused and neglected animals. We deeply appreciate her passion and commitment to giving animals a second chance, and her continued interest and enthusiasm in supporting our mission and our work in the months ahead."

"I am honored to serve as National Ambassador for American Humane Association," Mortimer said. "It is absolutely heartbreaking to know how many children and animals are abused and neglected in this country every year. I share the organization's vision of a more humane and compassionate world, and I'm looking forward to bringing attention to and raising support for American Humane Association's programs that are helping to achieve that vision by making a difference in the lives of society's most vulnerable."

Mortimer will be recognized for her role as National Ambassador at American Humane Association's March 9, 2011, National Humanitarian Award luncheon at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. At the event, Martha Stewart, known as "America's most trusted guide to stylish living," will receive the organization's National Humanitarian Medal.

Mortimer is considered one of the most visible and photographed socialites in New York. Her handbag line, Samantha Thavasa by Tinsley Mortimer, debuted in winter 2006 with its American flagship store on the Upper East Side. In summer 2007, she became the beauty ambassador of Christian Dior. In fall 2007, she introduced her first clothing collection, Riccimie by Tinsley Mortimer, sold exclusively in Japan.

On the New York charity and party circuit, Mortimer is largely known for her self-proclaimed "girly girl" style. While working at Vogue and, later, the public relations firm Harrison & Shriftman, her unique look caught the eye of society photographers and she has since been featured on the pages of Vogue, WWD, Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire magazine, to name a few. In 2008, she made her first TV debut on the season premiere episode of Gossip Girl. In 2010, she starred in the reality show High Society. She also has appeared on Extra, Access Hollywood, E!, America's Next Top Model, and The Fashion Show on Bravo. She lives in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood with her two Chihuahuas, Bebe and Bella.

About American Humane Association

Since 1877, the historic American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in protecting children, pets and farm animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding human-animal interaction and its role in society. As the nation's voice for the protection of children and animals, American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

SOURCE American Humane Association