Courageous Canine Who Was Victim Of Dog Fighting Wins Top Title Of "American Hero Dog" At The 2017 American Humane Hero Dog Awards

AMERICA'S TOP DOG: Following nearly 1 million votes, Abigail, a courageous canine who overcame terrible injuries and now works to end dog fighting, was named the 2017 American Hero Dog at this year's American Humane Hero Dog Awards

Following nearly a million votes by the American public and the opinions of an expert panel of celebrity animal lovers and dog experts, Abigail, a one-year-old pit mix from Lehigh Acres, Florida has been named this year's most courageous canine, besting 187 other heroic hounds and capturing the top title of "American Hero Dog" at the 2017 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. 

The seventh annual Hero Dogs Awards is sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc. and will be broadcast nationally on Hallmark Channel October 26 at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm Central Time.

Abigail is a gal that did not ask for the life she was forced to live. She was found as a stray in Miamiand taken to a rescue center where she was examined. She was anemic and infested with ticks. Scars covered her bloody head, neck, back legs, and half her face was missing with the skin ripped off down to the eardrum. She smelled terrible because of multiple infections, and was covered in dried mud. Experts suspected she was a victim of dog fighting. Her injuries were at least a week old and she almost lost her life. Abigail had several major surgeries and extensive skin grafts. She had weeks of hospitalization and daily bandage changes, which led to the launch of her "mission." Her vet and her vet tech were changing her bandages, and the way they held the gauze on her head made them looked like bonnets. In solidarity people from all over the world started sending bonnets and now the Facebook page "Bonnets for Abigail" has more than 12,000 followers. 

Despite the terrible injuries inflicted on her, Abigail is a heroic example of bravery and overcoming, and is using her public platform to teach forgiveness and bring awareness to the importance of ending dog fighting. For her extraordinary bravery and good works, Abigail won the American Humane Hero Dog Awards' "Emerging Hero Dog" category for ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things. 

This year, the Emerging Hero Dog category is sponsored by the maker of NexGard (afoxolaner) Chewables. They helped draw attention to Abigail's story and spotlighted the remarkable ways dogs are capable of forgiveness and moving on to do good things for others even when they themselves were in need of help.

A Galaxy of Stars Honors Hero Dogs Including Jay Leno and Billy Crystal
The sold-out, star-studded awards honoring America's most courageous canines were hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel last night by television and film star James Denton and model and animal advocate Beth Stern, accompanied by a galaxy of celebrity stars and presenters including Josie Bissett, Lacey Chabert, Danielle Fishel, Vivica Fox, Daisy Fuentes, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bailee Madison, Kellie Martin, Debbie Matenopolous, Cameron Mathison, Danica McKellar, Brandon McMillan, Barbara Niven, Alexa and Carolos Penavega, Mark Steines, Alison Sweeney, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Alicia Witte and more.

Jay Leno and Billy Crystal provided delightful pre-taped video skits. Richard Marx provided the lead musical performances. Before the show, the audience was treated to the artistry of The Alex Donner Band and a special appearance by Hallmark Channel's Goodwill Ambassador Happy the Dog.

The Hero Dog Awards were created to celebrate the powerful relationship between dogs and people and recognize extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs. The event will be broadcast nationwide by Hallmark Channel on October 26 at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm Central. The program will air as part of Hallmark Channel's Pet Project, the network's cross-platform advocacy campaign designed to celebrate the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives.

"The American Humane Hero Dog Awards were created to honor some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our best friends," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, the country's first national humane organization. "These courageous canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it, and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. All seven category winners tonight exemplify what it means to be a hero, and we hope that their stories – and Abigail's – will inspire people to value our animal friends and to recognize and honor how much they do for us every day."

"It is an honor to support an effort to recognize the best of our best friends,'" said philanthropist Lois Pope, who has been the awards' presenting sponsor for six years. "From those who defend our country to those who help us heal, guide us, protect us, and help find the lost, every single contender exemplifies the courage and heroism we seek to spotlight in the Hero Dog Awards campaign. Through this national forum we have helped educate America about the lifesaving, life-affirming work of our nation's canine heroes."

The winner is chosen through a combination of public votes and voting by a panel of animal advocates and celebrity judges including Jennifer Arnold, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Prince Lorenzo Borghese, Philippe and Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, Carolyn Hennesy, Joanne Horowitz, Blake Koch, Bailee Madison, Adrienne Maloof, Agent Jerry Means, Laura Nativo, Shara Strand, Lisa Vanderpump, and Lou Wegner.

All Finalists Are Winners
Abigail was the one chosen as 2017 American Hero Dog, but all seven finalists were winners in their categories, and we salute them for their courage, service and compassion. Here are their official nominations:

Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs category (sponsored by K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis)
Ice (Olympia, WA) – In the early hours of July 21, 2016, a team of officers from the U.S. Forest Service and deputies from the Trinity County Sheriff's Office were investigating an illegal marijuana garden on public lands within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Two suspects attempted to flee and Ice was deployed to capture one of the suspects. As Ice was apprehending the suspect, the suspect used a large knife to stab Ice twice in the chest as well as in the face and muzzle. Despite Ice's serious wounds, Ice continued to apprehend the suspect until the suspect was taken into custody. Ice's bravery likely saved the other officers from being stabbed or injured. 

Despite his trauma, Ice didn't let out a whine or whimper. Ice's handler and the team immediately bandaged and dressed his wounds. As the area was extremely rugged and remote, a California Highway Patrol helicopter was dispatched. Ice's handler and other team members then took turns carrying Ice approximately three-quarters of a mile over rough terrain and through dense vegetation to a suitable landing location. Ice was airlifted to VCA Asher Animal Hospital in Redding, CA and taken immediately into surgery where the doctors and staff were able to repair his wounds. Ice has since made a full recovery and has returned to duty. 

This wasn't Ice's first scrape, and though he is a tough-as-nails working dog, Ice also has an extraordinary ability to interact and socialize with people. Both of these amazing abilities make Ice a truly special dog and partner.

Guide/Hearing Dogs category
Pierce (Palm Bay, FL) – While serving with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division during the first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), Don sustained an injury that eventually claimed his vision. In the more than two decades that followed, Don navigated through life with his white cane, along with the support of his wife, Peggy, and two children. 

As an experienced cane traveler who moved about the world quite well, Don had not seriously considered getting a guide dog until one day he now remembers as a turning point in his journey. Last year, on a family vacation, Don and his son, Jordan, set out to explore historical monuments together. At the conclusion of the trip, Don asked Jordan to describe his favorite part of the tour to which the twelve-year-old responded, "Dad, I wasn't paying much attention…I wanted to make sure you didn't fall." Heartbroken at this admission, Don knew Jordan needed the freedom to be a kid and not a sighted guide. 

And the payoff in having his guide dog, "Pierce," has been even greater than relieving this burden from his son; Don is experiencing life with refreshed independence and freedom. 

His wife, Peggy, shares, "I have seen a new confidence in Don and I can't thank Fidelco enough for their part in it. Don's guide dog is a very loving companion and dedicated to his work. We have all fallen in love."

Military Dogs category (sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis)
Adak (St. Cloud, MN) – Adak is a 13-year-old German Shepherd. His longevity and accomplishments as an explosive detection dog are unmatched. During his career he has provided support to dignitaries and celebrities, and at events across more than 10 states and three countries. He was a Contract Working Dog (CWD) for the U.S. State Department in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army, Ft. McCoy and for a private business, Dogs for Defense Inc. (D4D). 

Adak's first assignment was in Iraq in 2006. Adak was assigned to support the U.S. embassy and dignitaries. Adak performed a sweep of the Baghdad Central Station prior to the arrival of a dignitary. While performing the sweep, Adak alerted to a vehicle in the area, canceling the event. 

On January 14, 2008, the Kabul Serena Hotel was subjected to a complex terror attack. During the attack numerous guests were trapped in the hotel. Adak's was the first K-9 team to arrive, with terrorists still inside the hotel. Adak led a team of Americans who went room to room inside while terrorists were still active. Adak came across dismembered, deceased victims during his search and performed flawlessly. Over 20 people were evacuated, and a total of six people died, including one American. 

In 2009 Adak was conducting a sweep of the Ministry of Agriculture when he had an alert. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit arrived and identified the threat as a mortar shell. Working for D4D gave Adak constant opportunities to do unique detection work across the U.S. until he was 13. 

His transition from war to family member was incredible. Sadly, Adak recently passed away.

Search and Rescue Dogs category (sponsored by Compassion-First Pet Hospitals)
Luca (Grand Prairie, TX) – On March 15, 2016, Fort Worth Police were dispatched to a missing endangered male. Two elderly men visited a large salvage yard when one suddenly realized that his elderly friend with Alzheimer's was missing. After a brief search, he realized he needed help and called police. Many officers responded due to the age/medical condition of the missing man. After an extensive search, Sgt. Medrano asked Officer Brock if Luca would be of any help. Luca is Officer Brock's retired Search-and-Rescue (SAR) German Shepherd, who was 10 years old at the time of this call. 

Luca excelled in area, water, avalanche and forest/desert searches. Officer Brock believed Luca excelled in this and it meant a helicopter ride, which Luca loved. Officer Brock picked Luca up from his home and Luca fell back into his training and used his SAR skills to search for the missing man. Luca alerted at an opening of brush at the Trinity River, which led to a very steep hill followed by a steep drop-off. Due to terrain, a PD helicopter responded and immediately observed the lost man in the river, stuck in waist-high mud on the opposite bank of the river where Luca alerted. Officers shed their gear, swam across the river, rescued the man and brought him to safety. 

Had Luca not tracked the man's trail and located him, the man would have drowned in the river, which still had very cold, high, fast-paced water or succumbed to the temperature. Luca's love and dedication to SAR shows the resilience of older dogs and how training doesn't go away just because they retire.

Service Dogs category (sponsored by Modern Dog)
Atlas the Wonder Dog (Dayton, OH) 

"After coming home from Iraq, struggling with PTSD and dealing with the effects of a TBI from a roadside bomb, I was virtually lost, locked in my own personal prison. I began getting treatment while still Active Duty, which consisted of talk therapy and a single prescription. After getting out of the Marines, I continued treatment with the VA system, and nearly a decade later, the "treatment" consisted of more than eight different prescriptions totaling more than 33 pills a day.…my life felt very sad, hazy, and hopeless……I was lost. Until I found Atlas. 

Atlas is not only my service dog but my lifesaver. Atlas is a grounding and solid presence when flashbacks, hypervigilance, and the lingering effects of war begin again to creep up my spine. Atlas has been trained to sense these changes in me and then acts to redirect my attention and focus during these overwhelming instances. Whether it is to nudge my hand if I am getting anxious, wake me up in the throes of a nightmare or just stand behind me so I know someone has my back. With his presence, I am able to take an active, positive role in my children's lives. Atlas has not only completely changed my life, but as the "face" of, and inspiration behind the creation of The Battle Buddy Foundation, he is also a beacon of hope for so many others struggling to cope. 

A regal reminder that there is hope, that there IS a way to find yourself again after combat and trauma, and that your pains and struggles have value."

Therapy Dogs category (sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food)
Aladdin (Haddonfield, NJ)  

"Aladdin was found severely emaciated in 2013. Both of his back legs and tail had been broken. He was missing 12 teeth and had open wounds. I foster emaciated dogs and he came to me. From the moment I met him, his little tail never stopped wagging, despite his horrific condition. Aladdin had a rough recovery but he overcame the obstacles put before him. He greeted every person with a lot of hope and despite the abuse he suffered he trusted enough to learn that no one would hurt him again. Within the year he was a certified therapy dog bringing love to everyone he meets. 

Aladdin is a Ronald McDonald House Ambassador dog, his favorite duty! He visits schools doing a humane education, anti-bullying program. He is a trained crisis response dog and spent a week in Orlando last year after the shooting doing therapy visits and fundraising for the Victims Fund. He works with the Philadelphia Police fundraising for the Fallen Officers Fund and attending the events they do with special needs children. He is an ambassador dog for Tito's Vodka for Dog People Campaign and together they have raised over 300,000 for rescues and shelters all over. He also works with veterans and PACT for Animals. Most importantly he is a model/ambassador for Show Your Soft Side, a nationwide animal abuse campaign and he is the spokesdog for the rescue I work with, Lilo's Promise. Lilo's takes in medical needs dogs like Aladdin. 

Heroes come in all shapes & sizes, Aladdin has taught me that each time I watch him work."

Each of the seven finalists received $2,500 to be donated to one of American Humane's charity partners. Abigail won an additional $5,000 for her charity, Dogs On Deployment. In this way, more heroes may be nurtured.

Heroes Who Save and Keep Our Hero Pets Healthy All Year Round Also Honored
Behind every hero pet is a hero vet or vet tech. Each year at the Hero Dog Awards, American Humane also announced the winners of its Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards, sponsored by the leading animal health company Zoetis. 

After a nationwide search and tens of thousands of public votes, Dr. Patricia Canchola from Pueblo, Colorado, who performs thousands of spay and neuter surgeries every year, and helps abused and neglected animals, runs a low-cost pet health clinic and a pet food bank, was named 2017's American Hero Veterinarian. Jeni Hudson from Decatur, Illinois, who founded a rescue organization that takes in pups with cleft palates and other disabilities, was declared 2017's American Hero Veterinary Technician.

"To us, all vets and vet techs are heroes and this is why we want to honor the best of the best in their fields," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO. "Indeed, Dr. Canchola and Ms. Hudson are tremendous animal welfare advocates and we are so proud to learn of their laudable accomplishments aiding the animals in need in their communities and beyond. And our thanks go out to our friends at Zoetis for sponsoring this special national campaign because we know how committed they are to recognizing the achievements of the veterinary community."

"Behind all hero dogs there are hero veterinarians and veterinary technicians providing vital healthcare services, and Zoetis is again proud to sponsor these special awards recognizing outstanding veterinary professionals," said Michael McFarland DVM, DABVP, Executive Director, U.S. Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis. "Dr. Canchola and Jennifer are both dedicated to excellence and providing compassionate care to every animal they see in their clinics, helping cement the human-animal bond between owners and their pets."

World's Leading Friends of Animals Receive Humanitarian Awards
American Humane bestowed its top honors on several individuals whose abiding passion for and support of animals deserve special recognition. The organization awarded the Global Humanitarian Award to Wolfgang Kiessling for his lifetime efforts to protect and preserve the remarkable and endangered creatures of the Earth. Kiessling is the founder of Loro Parque, which is the first zoological institution to be Humane Certified by American Humane, and was recently named "The Best Zoo in the World" by TripAdvisor. 

American Humane also gave its prestigious National Humanitarian Medal to three extraordinary animal advocates: Timothy Lane, one of the world's leading international business figures (CEO of Everest Advisors, Inc., former CEO of PepsiCo Restaurants International for Asia and the Middle East, Inc., and former CEO of Holiday Inn Worldwide), who has been devoting his time to advancing the 140-year-old mission of American Humane as a member of the board of directors and interim COO; Philanthropist, policy and public affairs expert and board member Amanda Bowman, who chairs American Humane's capital campaign; and Dawn Assenzio, philanthropist, board member, and vice-chair of American Humane's National Ambassador Council.

"These remarkable people are among the world's most stalwart friends of animals," said Dr. Robin Ganzert. "Few have the ability to make the impact they have, personally and professionally, on so many lives. For the millions you have helped and continue to help, we thank you, and salute your passion and devotion to improving life for the animals of the world."

And Thanks to Sponsors
Finally, American Humane honored the many generous sponsors who support the Hero Dog Awards and made them possible. 

"We thank the animals, their dedicated owners and handlers, and the generous sponsors who have helped bring about that recognition," said Dr. Ganzert. "Thank you to Lois Pope and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation; Hallmark Channel; Zoetis, sponsor of the Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards; Military Dog sponsors the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis; Law Enforcement/Arson Dog sponsor K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis; Search and Rescue Dog sponsor Compassion-First Pet Hospitals; Emerging Hero Dog sponsor, the maker of NexGard (afoxolaner) Chewables; Service Dog sponsor Modern Dog Magazine; and Therapy Dog sponsor Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food, the official pet food of the 2017 Hero Dog Awards. Dogs may be our best friends, but these caring organizations are theirs."

American Humane Association logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Humane Association)

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org.


SOURCE: American Humane

Star Photographer Markus Klinko, Modern Rocks Gallery Announce Auction To Benefit Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief

Beyoncé by Markus Klinko, Modern Rocks Gallery

Award-winning, international fashion and celebrity photographer Markus Klinko and Texas-based Modern Rocks Gallery today announced the launch of "Dangerously in Love with Houston: Modern Rocks Gallery / Markus Klinko Auction," an online auction of signed, first worldwide edition Beyoncé photographs with proceeds benefiting the Red Cross and its Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. 

The online auction will feature three 16"X20" photographs of Houston-native Beyoncé from the 2003 cover shoot of her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, signed by Markus Klinko.

Fujifilm supports the auction with printing and mounting, while Broncolor will donate shipping of the photographs to auction winners. All money raised from the auctions will go to the Red Cross Houston and Gulf Coast relief efforts.

The auction is online at modernrocksgallery.com/hurricane-relief and begins at 2 pm CST, Wed., Aug. 30 and closes at 2 pm CST, Sat., Sept. 9, 2017.

"I met Beyonce first in 2000 as a member of Destiny's Child during a photo shoot for Vibe and later was hired to shoot the cover of Beyoncé's debut solo album, Dangerously in Love. The images in our Hurricane Harvey relief auction were shot at my Soho studio," said Klinko. "And, I remember this shoot as one of my favorite experiences. Beyoncé later shared that these photographs were her all-time favorites."

"It's a privilege to have the opportunity to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The catastrophic impact on Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast will require months and years of recovery, relief and rebuilding. It's one way I can help raise funds and awareness for the people of Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast," added Klinko.

"We're grateful for Markus' tremendous generosity in this effort," Steven Walker, owner of Modern Rocks Gallery said. "Our heart aches for the people of Houston and the Gulf Coast, and we wanted to find a way to raise awareness and critical funds for the recovery and relief efforts there. Being able to feature these iconic images of Houston-born Beyoncé in this auction make the effort even more special."

SOURCE: Modern Rocks Gallery

San Antonio Praised for Welcoming Hurricane Harvey Evacuees, But Save the Children Finds Shelters Initially Fall Short in Meeting Children's Needs

Katrina places her 9-month-old son, Malachi, in a pack-and-play crib. Malachi fell off his cot when he was sleeping and bumped his nose. The family is staying in a hurricane shelter in San Antonio, Texas. (Save the Children photo.)

As hundreds of displaced families, including many with infants and toddlers, continue to arrive in San Antonio each day seeking refuge from Hurricane Harvey's catastrophic flooding, Save the Children has moved quickly to provide the city's shelters with the necessary equipment and services to keep children safe.

"Yesterday, in San Antonio's largest operating shelter, with nearly 1,000 people, more than 20 infants and toddlers spent the night sleeping in card board boxes, and many more toddlers slept on military cots from which they could easily slip off and hurt themselves. Parents also expressed concern they had no way to bathe their babies," said Jeanne-Aimee De Marrais, Save the Children's senior director of U.S. emergencies, who is leading the agency's response in Texas.

"In one case, a nine-month-old boy slipped off his cot and cut his nose," said De Marrais. "In another case, a grandmother told me she had not been able to bathe her two-month-old grandchild in nearly a week. We quickly brought in portable pack-and-play cribs, umbrella strollers and hygiene kits with plastic water basins to help parents keep their children safe and comfortable."

Added De Marrais: "San Antonio has become ground zero for evacuees, providing beds for up to 6,000 people. The city has done a great job mobilizing support so quickly in the early stages of a major response like this, but we are finding that the basic needs of mothers and small children in shelters are getting overlooked. Cardboard boxes for infants to sleep in are not enough. We can do much better, and we are here to make it happen."

De Marrais praised the strength and independence of many families she met in San Antonio's shelters.  One father, shortly after learning that his family's mobile home in Rockport had been totally destroyed by the hurricane, welled up with tears of thanks when the Save the Children team provided materials for the couple's two young children.  "Hurricane Harvey has been a humbling experience," he said.

Nine-month-old Malachi peeks over the side of his new pack-and-play crib donated by Save the Children. The family is staying in a hurricane shelter in San Antonio, Texas. (Save the Children photo.)

Save the Children plans to expand its efforts to address the needs of families in Texas shelters as it launches efforts to assist shelters outside the San Antonio area.  In addition, the agency will soon begin setting up Child Friendly Spaces in major shelters.  These spaces are safe, well-supervised areas within shelters where children can play, socialize and begin to recover from the disaster, while allowing their parents to concentrate on addressing the family's immediate and longer-term needs.

In the coming days, Save the Children also plans to provide support to child care and early education programs damaged or destroyed by the storm.

Jeanne-Aimee De Marrais, Save the Children’s senior director for U.S. emergencies, wheels a load of portable cribs for babies into a Salvation Army shelter for homeless families impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. (Save the Children photo.)

To support Save the Children's response efforts around Hurricane Harvey, please go to SavetheChildren.org or text Hurricane to 20222 to donate $25 to the Hurricane Harvey Children's Relief Fund. (A $25 donation will be added to your mobile bill. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply.) 

About Save The Children:
Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE: Save the Children

Newly-Published Japanese Internment Photos From Anchor Editions Raise Funds To Fight Muslim Immigration Ban

Children waiting for the bus which will take them from their homes to an internment camp. Photo by Dorothea Lange. Anchor Editions is donating half of the sales of these prints to organizations fighting for immigrant rights.

In 1942, the US Government hired renowned photographer Dorothea Lange to document the "evacuation" and "relocation" of Japanese-Americans. Despite disagreeing with the internment, Lange took the job and produced a striking set of photographs showing citizens who were forced to register, dispose of their property and livelihoods, and live in camps behind barbed wire and guard towers. After seeing her images, the military impounded her photographs for the duration of World War II, later depositing them in the National Archives, where they remained mostly unseen and unpublished until recently.

Noticing parallels to the current political climate, Anchor Editions, a fine art print shop in Washington DC, recently reprinted the photos to create a conversation about immigration and raise funds for organizations fighting the Muslim ban.

"The tide of racism and xenophobia that led to the Japanese concentration camps in 1942 is swelling again today," says Tim Chambers, photographer and printer for Anchor Editions. "My hope is that today's audience viewing photographs from this shameful period in our history will remember the need to resist any violation of civil and human rights now."

Chambers digitized and restored some of Lange's negatives from the National Archives, published a photo essay, and sold limited-edition prints, donating half of the proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Several editions sold out in as little as three days, and to date, Anchor Editions has donated over $35,000 to the ACLU.

This month, Anchor Editions released more prints after completing new restorations of several of Lange's negatives. Half of the new print sales will be donated to the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), which works to protect the rights of Americans, particularly low-income immigrants and their families.

"Through social media, and discussions online, in galleries, and in the classroom, Dorothea Lange is finding a new audience and relevance as our country faces another inflection point in how we treat our citizens and immigrants," Chambers said. "The response has been overwhelming. One woman even found her great-grandfather pictured in one of the images, and I've heard many similar stories of personal connections to the photographs."  

Anchor Editions hopes the newly-restored photographs will connect with people in a similar way, widening the margin of support for the work of the ACLU and NILC.

SOURCE: Anchor Editions

Kickstarter-Backed Gallery Turns Art into Charity Dollars

A woman washes her hands in clean water from a well in India.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Compassion Gallery, a newly established fine art gallery, says a picture is worth a thousand lives, and then some. Coming on the heels of a successful Kickstarter campaign, Compassion Gallery captures the emotions of people who have a combined love for beautiful images and helping others. Their business model: Sell beautiful limited-edition fine art photography prints, and donate 100% of the after-tax profits to charity.

The concept of selling fine art photography isn't new. Photographers like Steve McCurry ("Afghan Girl" / National Geographic) and Peter Lik have already tapped into the multimillion-dollar industry by selling their prints to art-loving consumers. In fact, the New York Times reported in February 2015 that Lik alone had sold more than $440 million dollars in prints.

So can Compassion Gallery run with the likes of Lik and McCurry? Only time will tell, but they're off to a positive start. Founders and photographers, Ray Majoran and Brian Klassen, tested the waters through Kickstarter to see if their photos and idea would hold up. Not only did it hold up, but they were featured by Kickstarter as a "Project We Love." That meant prime-time viewing on a site that gets millions of visitors each week, and has raised over $2.7 billion for independent projects (source: kickstarter.com).

"Our hope is to marry Compassion Gallery with people who love art and want to make a difference in the world," says Majoran. "We believe that hanging something on a wall is about more than just décor; it's about making a statement. And if hanging something on your wall helps some of the world's most vulnerable people, then that is quite a statement."

Compassion Gallery sells all of its work online. Recognizing the dilemma of not being able to touch a physical piece of art before it's purchased, they developed a virtual reality Room Preview tool. Using the VR tool, customers can preview any piece of art in multiple rooms, frame styles, wall colors and sizes, before they buy it.

Virtual reality room preview tool. Customers can preview any Compassion Gallery art in multiple rooms, frame styles, wall colors and sizes, before they buy it.

About Compassion Gallery
Compassion Gallery exists to document the world with fresh eyes, to inspire humanity with God's beauty, and to bring hope to the most vulnerable. For more information, visit compassion.gallery. Download brand assets and photo samples from compassion.gallery/press.

SOURCE: Compassion Gallery

One Wounded Warrior Project's Supporter Recently Wrote A Song To Raise Support & Awareness For It

Wounded Warrior Project's supporter, Kendall Clausen, wrote a song for WWP

Generous donors from all walks of life and of all ages allow Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to provide free, life-changing programs and services to injured veterans, their caregivers, and family members. Recently, a talented young singer named Kendall Clausen used her skills to support WWP through a performance with her school choir.

"For a school project, we had the option to do whatever we loved doing to support Wounded Warrior Project," Kendall said. "I chose to write a song. I sat down and came up with the idea to write about a soldier going off to war. The song focused on how in the end, the soldier is not going to give up no matter what happens. The song is called 'Warrior,' and I want to donate half of whatever money it raises to support Wounded Warrior Project."

"I'm pretty amazed," said Karl Clausen, her father. "She's sung other people's music in the past, but this is the first time she sat down and wrote an entire piece."

Kendall explained the decision to support WWP was collaborative among her fellow choir members – and a meaningful cause for many of them.

"A lot of my classmates have family who have served, or who were served by Wounded Warrior Project," Kendall said. "That personal connection really brought the idea to life."

At the school concert, Kendall and her classmates performed and set up an area where concert attendees could donate to WWP.

"I think the concert really inspired people because we raised a good amount of money for Wounded Warrior Project," Kendall said. "There are people who are willing to fight and die for my country – all my freedoms and privileges are here because of what others have fought for. The courage of our nation's veterans is unbelievable, and I'm so thankful for that."

"Warrior" is for sale on iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers, and can be seen on Kendall's YouTube page. Students of all ages can support warriors served by WWP by starting a Student Ambassadors fundraising campaign.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE: Wounded Warrior Project

The Video:

Famed WDC Rock Venue and Local Musicians Organize Benefit Concert for The Joe Strummer Foundation

Concert Poster

Washington DC's Black Cat has hosted no shortage of iconic bands over the years including Radiohead, Beck, the Foo Fighters, and the Kings of Leon. On May 25, 2017, the renowned music venue has partnered with DC rock band Stone Driver to organize a benefit concert to support The Joe Strummer Foundation, a charity created in honor of the Clash's co-founder and one of the biggest icons in punk and rock music history, which raises money to provide opportunities to musicians and support to projects around the world that create empowerment through music.

"As a musician and huge fan of Joe Strummer's work, I was humbled to learn about the foundation that was created to help others. When our band was brainstorming ideas of how we could contribute, we spoke with Lindsay from the Black Cat who suggested holding a benefit concert. The Black Cat team is going above and beyond to assist the Joe Strummer Foundation and the communities they assist, and are hosting an outrageously good rock concert to make it all happen," - Chad Lesch, member of "Stone Driver" musical group.

Stone Driver is a critically acclaimed DC rock band that recently completed their sophomore full length album "Rocks" with famed London producer Sefi Carmel (David Bowie, Phil Collins, Bruno Mars), and will be joined on stage with the exceptionally talented power pop quartet Classified Frequency, and high energy rocker and DC music veteran Derek Evry.

Stone Driver press photo

The Joe Strummer Foundation was established in 2002 shortly after the rock icon's passing. The non-profit organization is committed to the prevention or relief of poverty, particularly of young people, anywhere in the world by providing grants, items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organizations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

The Joe Strummer Foundation Benefit Concert will take place on May 25th, 2017 at the Black Cat in DC.  Doors open at 7:30PM, and the benefit concert will begin at 8:00PM and end by 11:30PM.  Tickets are available in advance on Ticketfly for $12, and the Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.

• To purchase tickets in advance on Ticketfly, please go to www.ticketfly.com/event/1434040-stone-driver-washington/
• For more information about Stone Driver, please go to facebook.com/StoneDriverBand and/or www.StoneDriver.com
• For more information about the Joe Strummer Foundation, please contact them at +44 (0) 208 133 9101 or email at info@joestrummerfoundation.org.

SOURCE: Stone Driver

Earth Day Canada asks everyone to #EarthPLAY for Earth Day (April 22) 2017

Earth Day Canada (CNW Group/Earth Day Canada)

With a new mandate to connect kids to nature and build resilient communities, Earth Day Canada kicks off its 2017 campaign by asking people across the nation to #EarthPLAY for Earth Day and support better outdoor play in our parks, schools and on neighbourhood streets.

According to recent data, most children get outside for less than an hour each day. This is having serious ramifications on their health and wellbeing.

"Outdoor, unstructured free play has been disappearing from childhood for the last several decades," says Deb Doncaster, President of Earth Day Canada. "This is largely due to a lack of stimulating, accessible play spaces, coupled with unnecessary aversion to risk and a narrow concept of education. 

If the next generation is stuck indoors, how can we expect them to be connected to their communities and motivated to protect the environment?"

The cornerstone of this year's campaign is the #Pledge4PLAY crowdfunding platform, running April 1st to 30th at earthday.ca. Those who donate receive various perks and chances to win a range of prizes, with donations of $100 or more securing additional entries into a draw for the grand prize: A trip for four to the world-renowned Berkeley Marina Adventure Playground in California, courtesy of the Air Canada Foundation.

A social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter encourages people to share their favourite #PLAYmemory from when they were young — participants include celebrities such as four-time Olympian Silken Laumann, star of hit TV series Survivorman Les Stroud, and children's singer-songwriter Raffi, while renowned environmentalist David Suzuki and Leader of the Green Party Elizabeth May have recorded special video messages to share, too.

Earth Day Canada has created free tool kits for those who wish to #EarthPLAY in their local community, and for schools across Canada, who are invited to demonstrate their support of enriched outdoor play by committing to host an extra or extended recess or even a full day of adventure play during Earth Week.

Earth Day Canada is hosting three events in Toronto — StreetPLAY for Earth Day (April 20), SchoolPLAY for Earth Day (April 20) and ParkPLAY for Earth Day (April 22) — drawing a range of government officials, celebrities and kids of all ages to experience enriched outdoor play.

About Earth Day Canada

Founded in 1990, Earth Day Canada is a national charity that inspires and supports people across the country to connect with nature and build resilient communities. We lead an annual Earth Day campaign in conjunction with free, year-round, award-winning programs that get people of all ages outside, interacting with the natural environment — this, in turn, fosters an intrinsically motivated, enduring commitment to stewardship and conservation.

EDC works closely with school-aged children and youth through our renowned EcoKids program and new EarthPLAY initiative, and recognizes via our Hometown Heroes Awards those who are leading the way in making our planet healthier. We engage diverse communities in the environmental sector and help our corporate partners achieve their sustainability goals with our growing employee engagement platform.

SOURCE:  Earth Day Canada

Thailand's Infamous Tiger Temple Plans To Reopen Under Another Name

To make them pose for photos with tourists, tiger cubs are separated from their mothers and brutally trained. World Animal Protection wants to end this cruel practice and believes that wild animals belong in the wild. (CNW Group/World Animal Protection)

An investigation by international animal welfare charity World Animal Protection has exposed that Thailand's controversial Tiger Temple Co. Ltd. is planning to re-open under the new name Golden Tiger (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

The charity is extremely concerned about these developments, given the appalling circumstances and conditions that led to the closure of Tiger Temple, and is calling for the Thai government to not issue a zoo license to Golden Tiger (Thailand) Co. Ltd. to open another venue.

Tiger Temple Co. Ltd, once a well-known tourist attraction because of its large collection of tigers, was recorded to have at least 147 tigers in 2016. After years of allegations of illegal breeding and trafficking of the tigers and their parts, in May of last year more than 500 officers from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided the venue uncovering dead cubs in freezers alongside tiger skins, amulets and tiger teeth trinkets.

The Golden Tiger (Thailand) Co. Ltd. is currently constructing a new venue in Kanchanaburi (in the West of Thailand) and have already been issued a provisional license by the DNP for this new business venture. However, a full zoo licence will not be issued unless they meet 11 specified conditions within six months. These include enclosures deemed large enough for the tigers and vet care, but worryingly it fails to ban breeding or tourist interactions with tigers at the proposed new venue.

Also, legal cases and police investigations into the illegal wildlife trade allegations against Tiger Temple Co. Ltd. are still ongoing, and granting a zoo license would allow them to continue running a tiger business that potentially harbours cruelty.

In 2016, World Animal Protection handed over a petition to the DNP calling for a thorough investigation into all captive tiger facilities in Thailand, and to ban the breeding of tigers at commercial venues which serve no conservation benefit for tigers in the wild.

Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach, senior wildlife advisor at World Animal Protection says:

"Tiger farms have nothing to do with conservation – they just bring extreme suffering to these wild animals whilst living in appalling conditions.

"These venues need to be stopped in their tracks because they clearly have links to the dark side of wildlife trafficking rings."

Last year World Animal Protection released a study on tigers used for entertainment in Thailand which documented a 33% increase in the number of tigers at tourism facilities over a five-year period.

The main welfare concerns witnessed by the investigators at these tourist venues include:

• Tiger cubs cruelly separated from their mothers, two to three weeks after they are born
• Young cubs used as photo props with tourists, constantly viewed and mishandled hundreds of times a day, which can lead to stress and injury
• Tigers being punished to stop aggressive unwanted behavior. One staff member told our researchers that starvation is used to punish the tigers when they make a 'mistake'
• Most tigers were housed in small concrete cages or barren enclosures with limited access to fresh water. 50% of the tigers we observed were in cages with less that 20sqm per animal, a far cry from the 16-32km they would roam in a single night in the wild
• One in ten (12%) of the tigers we observed showed behavioral problems, such as repetitive pacing and biting their tails. These behaviors most commonly occur when animals feel they cannot cope with stressful environments or situations.

Dr. Schmidt-Burbach adds: 

"Tourists need to be aware that their once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to a tiger causes a lifetime of suffering. A selfie with a tiger is cruel, so don't do it."

>> Find out more about our campaign. << 

More Info:

• Since January 2017, World Animal Protection has written two letter to the DNP to not issue a license to the Golden Tiger Co. Ltd and impose a breeding ban.
• Read the charity's report about Thailand's tiger entertainment industry.
• Visit World Animal Protection's campaign site for more information on wild animals used for tourist entertainment.

SOURCE: World Animal Protection