Talkin Pets

SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK – (February 27, 2013) – A list of celebrities is teaming up with Guardians of Rescue in order to help raise funds to support that group's animal rescue work. The celebrities, including Russell Simmons, Lana Fuchs, Steve Lobel, Christian McBride, Victor Ortiz and Coldplay, have all donated prizes that will go to the highest bidder through eBay auctions. The funds raised will all go to support the work that the group does, all year long, to help animals.

“We are thrilled that these celebrities have been so generous in helping us with our cause,” explains Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue. “We love helping animals, but we couldn’t do it without support. We are very thankful that they are all helping to contribute to our fundraising auction.”

The eBay charity-fundraising auction will be held February 27, 2013 thru March 9, 2013. Guardians of Rescue will auction off a variety of prizes from a star-studded list, including:

• Russell Simmons – The entertainment mogul who is a long-time vegan and yogi has generously donated a yoga session with him personally which will be held in a yoga studio class in NYC. The bid for this auction will start at $800, with the highest bidder donning yoga gear to meet up with Simmons.

• Lana Fuchs – Her pet monkey will be giving away a “Spend the day with my mom” package that includes the winner flying out to Las Vegas and being “Lana-ized” with a complete makeover that includes a once in a lifetime shopping spree, styling session, and a private secrets to success lesson, and more.

• Steve Lobel – The well-known celebrity music manager, who has worked with Run DMC, Eazy E, Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony, Common, and Outlawz, will be giving away a pair of drumsticks that are signed by the original drummer of Guns N’ Roses, Steven Adler.

• Christian McBride – The three-time Grammy-award winning bassist will be giving away a prize that includes spending the day with him at the studio when he records his next album, which will be in September. The recording will take place at either the Manhattan Center Studios or the Jazz at Lincoln Center Studies (both in NYC). He will be recording a piece with his 17-piece big band gospel choir called “The Movement, Revisited,” which is a musical portrait of the civil rights movement.

• Coldplay – The popular band, which has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, will be giving away an autographed photo of the band that has been signed by each member, as well as their new 2012 tour DVD.

• Victor Ortiz – The professional boxer and former WBC Welterweight Champion will be donating an autographed poster, and an autographed full set of VO by FaceLube Classic Edition, from his skin care line, as well as an autographed full size bottle of his cologne, VO by Victor Ortiz.

“We have some amazing prizes that these celebrities have donated,” added Misseri. “We look forward to auctioning these items off so that we can use the funds to support all the work we do in the community to help animals.”

“I am happy to help with this charity auction,” says Russell Simmons. “I know the Guardians of Rescue will do a lot of good things to help the animals with the funds they raise.”

“We all need to help the animals but sometimes we don’t know what to do to make that happen,” added Lana Fuchs. “Taking part in this charity fundraiser is a good step in the right direction. It gives something to the fans, and it helps the animals. It’s a win-win situation.”

The charity auction can be found here:

http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/guardians-of-rescue/76791/

Guardians of Rescue provides assistance to animals out on the streets, helping to rescue them, provide medical care, food and shelter, and find foster-home placements. Many families are still struggling, such as from Hurricane Sandy, making it difficult for them to care for their pet, either financially or while living in temporary housing. They are also instrumental in helping military members with their pets, and to provide therapy dogs to veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. To learn more, get involved, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.

About Guardians of Rescue

Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org

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Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic
Announced for September 24, 2012

Nashville, TN (August 20, 2012)—Country artist and former PGA golfer Colt Ford has announced his First Annual Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic to be held on September 24, 2012 at the beautiful Chateau Elan located just outside of Atlanta, GA. Proceeds will help St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children battling cancer and other deadly diseases.

“I could not think of a better way to raise money than playing golf with a group of my good buddies,” says Ford. “I really wanted to help contribute to the efforts of the amazing doctors, researches and staff at St. Jude. I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to such an outstanding organization. ”

Artists joining Ford in his effort to raise much needed funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital include Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, John Anderson, John Michael Montgomery, Jason Michael Carol, Edwin McCain, Laura Bell Bundy, Wanya Morris and Nate Morris from Boyz II Men, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, plus professional golfers Tommy Gainy, Brian Gay, Heath Slocum, Harris English, Brendan Todd, Hudson Swofford, Brian Harmon, Kyle Thomson, William McGirt, Tommy Biershenk, Ken Duke, Scott Brown, Boo Weekley, Matt Bettincourt, Josh Broadaway, Kris Blanks, Sean Cain and celebrities Corey Miller and Jeff Foxworthy.

Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic is sponsored in part by Akins Ford, AO Smith, Roswell Food Group, Country Girl Cocktails, Foxworthy Outdoors, Adams Golf, Roswell Food Group, and Mr. Goodtime Moonshine.

About St. Jude:
Since opening 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org or following us on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

About Colt Ford:
Known for his authentic brand of country, Colt Ford has been breaking down music barriers selling millions of albums and digital singles since his debut album, Ride Through the Country, was released in 2008. Since then the countrified lyric-master has gone on to release Chicken & Biscuits, debuting at #8 on the Top Country Albums chart in 2010 and his 2011 release Every Chance I Get debuted at #3. His fourth studio album, Declaration of Independence, was released August 7, 2012, and debuted at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart and took the #4 spot on Billboard 200 chart. Selling over 31k albums in one week made Declaration of Independence the highest debut for Colt Ford and for his indie record label, Average Joes Entertainment. With over 500k Facebook fans, 7 million views on YouTube, Colt Ford is a force to be reckoned with and his music undeniably hits home to fans of all ages. From headlining his own 2012 Declaration of Independence tour, to owning his own brand of Goodtime Vodka and Moonshine, to his a best-selling "Mr. Goodtime" burger for Santa Fe Cattle Co, Colt Ford is declaring much more than his independence, becoming a staple in the genre for country music fans. www.coltford.com

Full schedule of events includes ASPCA Adoption Day, appearances by ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors,
animal loving celebrities & top riders

NEW YORK—For the sixth consecutive year, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will sponsor the 37^th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, held in Bridgehampton, N.Y., from Sunday, August 26 to Sunday, September 2, 2012.

On Monday, August 27, the ASPCA will host the Third Annual ASPCA Adoption Day at the Classic, focusing on helping rescued, at-risk horses, dogs and cats find permanent homes. Six local animal shelters and rescue groups, including Animal Care & Control of New York City, three local equine rescue groups, and one pig rescue group will have animals on site. Celebrity hosts for this event include Animal Welfare Advocate for NBC’s “Today” and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassador Jill Rappaport, as well as ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors and top international riders Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill.

“Many people, including those in the equestrian community, are unaware of the serious threats facing horses today,” said Valerie Angeli, senior director of equine and special projects for the ASPCA. “The ASPCA has an impressive history of equine protection and continues to focus its efforts on improving the lives of horses across the country. The Hampton Classic celebrates the tradition of excellence in humane and responsible horsemanship and provides a wonderful opportunity to not only educate the community but also find permanent homes for at-risk animals."

Other highlights during the week-long event include the ASPCA “Champagne for Horses” Equine Welfare Celebration and expert panel discussion, both of which take place on Thursday, August 30. Sponsored by Louis Roederer Champagne and hosted by actress and ASPCA supporter Aida Turturro, the event will raise awareness about the many grave issues impacting horses today, including horse slaughter, homelessness and neglect.

Visiting animal-loving celebrities and top riders, including ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill will make appearances throughout the week at the “ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station” located near the VIP parking and across from the public grandstand of the Grand Prix Ring (please see schedule included below).

“It’s an honor to serve as an equine welfare ambassador for the ASPCA,” said Ms. Bloomberg. “The ASPCA has a deep-rooted commitment to promoting equine welfare around the country and works hard to protect at-risk horses through legislation, advocacy and grant funding. This world class horse show is a great opportunity to serve as the voice for these noble animals.”

The presentation of the ASPCA Maclay Award will take place on Friday, August 31. The prestigious ASPCA Maclay Championship was established in 1933 by former ASPCA board member and horseman Alfred B. Maclay to encourage junior riders to excel in the art of responsible and humane horsemanship. It is the most coveted award in the U.S. for junior riders under 18 years of age.

The Hampton Classic is one of the country’s largest and most prestigious horse shows and draws many of the world’s top horses and champion riders. For more information on the Hampton Classic, please visit http://www.aspca.org/About-Us/events/hampton-classic or www.hamptonclassic.com.

Schedule of ASPCA Events/Expert Appearances at the 37^th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show

Sunday, August 26:

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for schedule information.

Monday, August 27: Third Annual ASPCA Adoption Day

• 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – The Third Annual ASPCA Adoption Day at the Hampton Classic will feature local dog, cat and horse rescue groups with animals available for adoption. The event will feature VIP hosts Jill Rappaport from “Today” and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill.
  • Participating dog and cat rescue groups include: Animal Care & Control of New York City, The Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, Southampton Animal Shelter, Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc., ARF of Southampton, and Gimme Shelter. Adoptable dogs and cats will be available in the Kids/Exhibition area across from the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Participating horse rescue groups include: Kaeli Kramer Foundation, Project Sage Horse Rescue, and Seraphim 12 Foundation. Rescued and rehabilitated horses also will be on hand for demonstrations. Adoptable horses will be available in the Aspinall Ring and VIP presentations will be from 12-2 p.m.
  • Book signing with Georgina Bloomberg, author of My Favorite Mistake, with proceeds from the sale of the book benefiting the ASPCA Equine Fund.
  • Jill Rappaport will be showcasing her newly designed equine halters and leads to benefit at-risk horses and promote equine adoption.

Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29:

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for schedule information.

Thursday, August 30: ASPCA “Champagne for Horses” Equine Welfare Celebration and Expert Panel Discussion

• 1–3 p.m. (ASPCA Ringside Chalet, north of the Grand Prix Arena) – The ASPCA will host the ‘Champagne for Horses’ Equine Welfare Celebration and expert panel discussion brought to you by Louis Roederer Champagne, with celebrity host Aida Turturro and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg, Brianne Goutal, and Hayley Barnhill. This event is by invitation only and space is limited. For information on how to obtain an invitation, please contact the ASPCA’s Valerie Angeli via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Friday, August 31:

• Late morning (Ring TBD) – ASPCA Maclay Award Presentation.

• Time TBD (After show jumping event in the Grand Prix Ring) – Olympic Equestrian Peter Leone will be signing copies of his book, Peter Leone’s Show Jumping Clinic, and DVD, Ride the Body, with proceeds benefiting the ASPCA’s horse protection efforts.

Saturday, September 1: Kid’s Day at the Hampton Classic

• 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station) – Book signing and meet & greet with Anne Hambleton, author of RAJA – Story of a Racehorse. The award-winning children’s book tells the story of the struggles and triumphs of a rescued racehorse.

Sunday, September 2: Grand Prix Sunday

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for schedule information.

Throughout the week:

• ‘ASPCA VIP Rider’ lapel pins and ‘Horses on Sticks’ will be available at the ASPCA Patio and Animal Advocacy Station for a donation, with proceeds benefitting the ASPCA’s horse protection efforts.

• The ‘Jump for the ASPCA’ fundraiser, sponsored by FTI Consulting, will trigger a donation to the ASPCA each time a rider clears the ASPCA fence on the show grounds.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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 The Movement Spreads Quickly Through Every Walk of American Culture, Bringing Together Hollywood, Fashion, Politics, Business and Sports in Support of Katy Butler’s Protest Against the MPAA.

NEW YORK, NY (March 13, 2012) – “BULLY,” the highly anticipated anti-bullying documentary (in theaters March 30^th), has sparked a protest and now a movement, as a number of major movie stars, theater owners, and Members of Congress have joined forces to protest the film’s R rating. In a clear triumph for the film, Gerry Lopez, CEO of AMC Theaters, one of the most prominent theater chains in the world, spoke out against the R-Rating, saying, “To 'automatically default' BULLY is a mistake. Automatic default to a rating, a category, a genre... doesn't matter, is a mistake.  The message, the movie and its social relevance defy that kind of formulaic, conventional thinking. AMC will show this movie, and we invite our guests to engage in the dialogue its relevant message will inevitably provoke.” 
 
Mr. Lopez is one of almost 300,000 people to get behind a petition started by a junior in high school named Katy Butler. Ms. Butler, who has experienced severe bullying herself, started the petition on Change.org after the MPAA ruled by one vote that “Bully” should receive an R rating due to six swear words. When Mr. Lopez asked one of his sons about the film, curious as to whether the debate had reached the demographic the film is geared toward, his son had already signed onto Ms. Butler’s petition. 
 
The support from Hollywood has been on a steady increase since Katy Butler launched her petition. On March 20, Meryl Streep and her daughter Mamie Gummer will co-host a screening of the film with and David Boies, one of the two attorneys responsible for overturning Proposition 8 in California, and his daughter, Mary Boies.  The screening will be held in New York City. 

Johnny Depp has also signed on to lend his support; Ellen DeGeneres has devoted time to the film on her television show; and in the sports arena, Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, has also added his voice to the movement.  Kelly Ripa and Anderson Cooper came on board as news anchor partners, hosting a screening in New York City last week, that was presented by Bing, the search engine from Microsoft. In addition to the screening in NYC, Bing will also be supporting the film in a number of ways, including hosting an additional screening in LA.

 
Iconic American designer Tommy Hilfiger will design an exclusive t-shirt inspired by the Bully movie poster which will be sold in Tommy Hilfiger stores with a portion of proceeds benefiting Facing History and Ourselves (http://www.facing.org/). Mr. Hilfiger is the first of ten designers that The Weinstein Company will ask to donate their services on behalf of the fundraising effort.  IMG, renowned global sports, fashion and media agency continues to support the film in a number of ways, and famed photographer David LaChapelle has offered to donate his talents towards an advertising campaign.

In Congress, Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) issued a bipartisan letter to the MPAA, supporting Katy Butler’s petition, to urge former Senator Dodd, now Chairman of the MPAA, to overturn the ruling. Over 20 Members of Congress have signed on to the letter. The political engagement continues to grow this week while Congress is in District Work Session, with additional support coming from the Senate. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) called for a PG-13 rating on Twitter today, and has told The Weinstein Company she intends to play a more active role in this protest.

Last Friday, Justin Bieber joined the cause, telling his fans on Twitter about the movie and encouraging them to stand up for each other. He is currently working with The Weinstein Company on how he can do more for the film.

“We’ve got the MPAA’s attention, and with nearly 300,000 signatures and support from celebrities and politicians, there’s now a national movement of people calling on the MPAA to drop the ‘R’ rating for ‘Bully,’” Katy Butler said. “As someone who lived through bullying day in and day out in school, including having my finger broken by bullies, this film is too important to silence with an ‘R’ rating. Everyone should have a chance to see ‘Bully.’”
 
Click here to view Katy Butler’s petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-don-t-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating
Click here to view the trailer:  http://youtu.be/rjjeHeAzZZM <http://youtu.be/rjjeHeAzZZM> 

For group sales: http://thebullyproject.com/#/ticketing

ABOUT “BULLY”
Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, BULLY is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of America’s bullying crisis. BULLY follows five kids and families over the course of a school year. Stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals’ offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children. As teachers, administrators, kids and parents struggle to find answers, BULLY examines the dire consequences of bullying through the testimony of strong and courageous youth. Through the power of their stories, the film aims to be a catalyst for change in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children and society as a whole. 

Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Rice Films and Karz Entertainment present a 118 minute, PG-13, comedy, romance directed by Garry Marshall and written by Katherine Fugate with a theatrical release date of December 9, 2011.

 Born Free USA’s Keep Wildlife in the Wild Week June 20 to 24 Encourages Action to Help Protect Wild Animals and the Planet

1. Do not buy any wildlife products, such as sea turtle shell or elephant ivory, when you take your summer vacation to exotic destinations.
2. Enter the Born Free USA Wildlife Week Photo Contest for a chance to win prizes and have your photo posted online.  Details and rules at www.bornfreeusa.org/keepwildlifewildweek. ;
3. Host a fundraiser with your kids to collect money for your local wildlife sanctuary or for Born Free USA’s Primate Sanctuary, home to over 500 primates.  A yard sale, lemonade stand or car wash, teaches kids how to be entrepreneurs for an important cause and make a real difference.  Tell us your story and how much money you raised! 
4. Educate yourself and your community about co-existing with wildlife in your own town. Born Free USA has free brochures offering advice and humane solutions for perceived conflicts.   
5. Enjoy your own backyard wildlife by creating a bird habitat right outside your window.  Wildlife appreciation starts at home. 
6. Learn about the reality and danger of hidden animal traps, especially if you hike with your dog or have family pets who play outside.  Trapping can cause severe injury or death to animals and people.
7. Show your support for fur free fashion on Facebook by adding Born Free USA’s Fur Free Retailer page to your list of “likes.”
8. Send ten friends a smile today by sharing the High Diving Monkeys YouTube video filmed at Born Free USA’s Primate Sanctuary in Texas.  
9. Commit to never shop at stores that sell live animals. Retail environment animals are treated like commodities in order for the store to realize a profit.
10. Become a Zoo Checker and help end the worst cases of suffering at zoos. Tell Born Free about the conditions for the animals at your local zoo.