Philanthropist Lois Pope Welcomes Charming Animal Stars Crystal And Hudson At Inspiring Celebration In Palm Beach

PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It was an inspiring, magical afternoon at the Chesterfield Hotel's Leopard Lounge in Palm Beach on Thursday January 22 as a packed house of animal lovers and movie lovers attended a special "Afternoon Tea with America's Animal Stars" honoring famed Hollywood animal actors Crystal the capuchin and Hudson the Golden Retriever. Hosted by philanthropist and humanitarian Lois Pope, and organized by American Humane Association, the country's first national humane organization, the tea provided guests the opportunity to meet these beloved animal actors, hear first-hand from their trainers about the hard work and dedication it takes to bring their roles to life on the silver screen, and what it takes to protect these animal actors. In 2015, American Humane Association's "No Animals Were Harmed®" program celebrates 75 years as the only official film-industry sanctioned group ensuring the humane protection, safety and welfare of animal actors on sets of movies, television shows, and commercials around the globe.

Crystal the capuchin – the star of 24 feature films including the "Night at the Museum" series, "We Bought a Zoo," and "The Hangover Part 2" – charmed the audience with a pink dress and pearls, while Hudson – the canine star of the Paul Rudd comedy, "Our Idiot Brother" – reprised his role of Mitt Romney's dog from one of his frequent appearances on "Saturday Night Live." Beautiful music was provided throughout the afternoon by the widely acclaimed duo of Will and Anthony Nunziata, who performed three touching songs.  The brothers brought their powerful nuanced voices with their undeniable charm, moving the entire audience.

Crystal and Hudson are featured in the new book "Animal Stars: Behind the Scenes with Your Favorite Animal Actors," written by American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert with Allen and Linda Anderson, the husband-and-wife founders of the Angel Animals Network. Featuring a foreword by "America's Veterinarian," Dr. Marty Becker, "Animal Stars" offers a peek at the fascinating world of animals and animal trainers in today's film and television industry – and the celebrities with whom they work. Proceeds from the sale of the book support American Humane Association's lifesaving work and programs protecting America's children and animals. Last fall, Dr. Ganzert traveled the country on a twelve city book signing tour for "Animal Stars."

Lois Pope – Humanitarian and Philanthropist

"On behalf of all us at American Humane Association, we thank Mrs. Lois Pope for inspiring our efforts every day to do more for children and animals," said Dr. Ganzert." This afternoon tea was a wonderful opportunity for fans of movies and the animals who star in them to come out and meet two of the greatest animal actors of our time. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with inspiring tales of compassion and the human-animal bond, the inextricable link between people, animals, and the world we share. My deepest thanks and gratitude go to Mrs. Pope for all she has done for the humane cause and for graciously underwriting these heartwarming and educational events in Palm Beach."

"As an avid lover of film and entertainment, I know how much animal stars can delight and charm audiences, and it was my pleasure to bring Crystal, Hudson, and their hardworking trainers to Palm Beach for such a special event," said Mrs. Pope. "One of the strongest examples of the bond between people and animals is the one we share as we laugh, cry, and learn to care about animals through the unforgettable roles of these remarkable actors in movies and television.  I am proud to be part of this remarkable 75th anniversary celebration of 'No Animals Were Harmed®' – the program that protects our beloved animal stars around the globe." 

A Remarkable Commitment to Help Military Heroes – at Both Ends of the Leash

One very special highlight of the afternoon tea was the generous surprise donation of $50,000 by Tova Leidesdorf, who was deeply inspired by the animal stars and desired to support Lois Pope and American Humane Association's work to bring home and honor military dogs everywhere. Both Mrs. Pope and American Humane Association are deeply committed to ensuring that all military dogs are brought home to the United States and given the opportunity to live out their retirement with their brave human handlers who worked hand-in-paw with them on the hot desert sands of Iraq and Afghanistan and on bases around the world.

Next Event on March 17:  K-9 Battle Buddies

Those who champion these military heroes can attend the next American Humane Association event in Palm Beach, which will honor the bravery and valor of America's K-9 Battle Buddies. Hosted by Lois Pope, the luncheon event will be held on March 17 at the Mar-a-Lago Club. Decorated and distinguished military dogs and their soldier handlers will be honored on stage for their service to our country in the War on Terror. Also appearing will be America's Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, and guests will enjoy a special musical performance from "American Idol's" Stefano Langone and the Alex Donner Orchestra.

Information about the K-9 Battle Buddies gala luncheon can be provided by Jill Nizan at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-227-4645. Jet Paws and Military Freedom sponsorship opportunities are also available. Dr. Robin Ganzert's new book, "Animal Stars: Behind the Scenes with Your Favorite Animal Actors," is available in bookstores and online everywhere now. For more information, please visit www.animalstarsbook.com.

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. 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.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)
As one of America's leading philanthropists, Lois Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national and international levels.  She has established three different organizations dedicated to helping those in need.  These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation.  Over the last 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, a summer camp program serving thousands of underprivileged children and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane Association in Palm Beach County. Lois Pope has recently donated two Lois Pope Red Star Rescue Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of animal emergency services and cruelty responses within the region. To learn more visit www.life-edu.org or call 561.582.8083.

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SOURCE American Humane Association

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