20th Anniversary Genesis Awards: Media’s Compassionate Coverage on Behalf of Our Animal Friends

 

By Entertainment Team, Los Angeles, California, USA (Originally in English)

Since 1954, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has existed to promote the protection of all animals. With the belief that “Cruelty Can't Stand the Spotlight!” the Hollywood Office of the HSUS was created to bring awareness of animal issues to the public through the major media with its influential voices and huge audiences. Among the celebrities on their honorary committee are noted actors and musicians Susan Sarandon, singer Moby, Alec Baldwin, Daryl Hannah, Woody Harrelson, Sean Astin and Alicia Silverstone. The Vice President of the HSUS Hollywood Office is Ms. Gretchen Wyler, a well-known animal advocate and actress who conceived and launched the Genesis Awards two decades ago as a way to recognize the efforts of those in the media and entertainment industry who bring attention to animal suffering and abuse. Genesis Awards are presented annually at a star-studded ceremony that draws representatives from the media, entertainment, social, business and humane organizations. Known as the nation's premier consciousness-raiser, this event is aired nationwide on the Animal Planet channel.

Gretchen Wyler (left), actress and Vice President of the HSUS Hollywood office	Steve Valentine (middle), actor in “Crossing Jordan,” with association member and other guests

This year, the 20th Anniversary of the Genesis Awards took place on March 18, 2006 at the elegant Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. In keeping with its theme of compassion, the gala hosted an entirely vegan dinner. Through working with the Association in previous years, the organizers knew of Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her compassion for animals as well as Her teachings on vegetarianism. Therefore, the Humane Society of the United States extended an invitation to Supreme Master Ching Hai to attend this special gala. However, due to Her busy schedule, Supreme Master Ching Hai was not able to attend and sent representatives in Her place.

This year’s honorees included Dreamworks' Academy Award winning movie, "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit"; Miramax's "An Unfinished Life"; Warner Bros' "Duma"; Shadow's "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill"; CBS' "CSI"; CNN's "Larry King Live"; ABC's "World News Tonight," "Primetime" and "Rodney"; The New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post.

The event unfolded beautifully as the awards were announced by celebrity presenters who included Jennifer Aspen, Ed Begley, Jr., Linda Blair, David Boreanaz, James Cromwell, Emily Deschanel, Jorja Fox, Tippi Hedren, Lauren Holly, Anne-Marie Lucas, Joe Mantegna, Moby, Alexandra Paul, Eric Roberts, Charlotte Ross, Amy Smart, Kate Walsh and Persia White. The highlight this year was the segment, “The Heroes of Katrina,” a special salute to the news media for drawing attention to the plight of the disaster's animal victims.

Association members took this opportunity to share Supreme Master Ching Hai’s teachings and information about vegetarianism with the other guests. It was clear from their response that we are truly living in the Golden Era due to Master’s grace. More and more people are vegetarian or are in the process of switching over to a more humane diet. Many of the guests were also very receptive to Master’s teachings and humanitarian work.

As we witness how Master’s blessings have elevated the consciousness of this world, we would like to sincerely offer our gratitude to Master for bestowing humanity with Her benevolence and compassion. We are truly blessed to be living in the Golden Era permeated with God’s love.