2008 Lewyt Luncheon Honorees

Laura J. Niles Foundation - The President's Award for Humanitarian Excellence

The Laura J. Niles Foundation's generosity enables the Animal League to purchase essential equipment, specifically the mobile units that make it possible for us to save thousands of innocent animals each year from areas where no-kill policies are not always viable. In addition, the Foundation supports the Seniors for Seniors program, perfectly matching older pets with senior adopters, enriching the lives of all.

Greg and Nicole Biffle - The Just One Award

Through the Greg Biffle Foundation, Greg and Nicole have addressed the critical status of pet overpopulation, and subsequent euthanizing of innocent animals, by promoting spay/neuter programs. They have also sponsored the transportation of puppies to North Shore Animal League America where they are nurtured, placed for adoption and assured the promise of deserved happy lives, in caring and loving homes.

Jana Kohl - The Guardian Angel Award

Inspirational author Jana Kohl knows firsthand the horrors of puppy mills, having rescued her beloved pet, Baby from such a situation. As an eloquently outspoken opponent of this cruel industry, she has created a graphic and condemning video that is destined to make a difference for the tens of thousands of innocent animals victimized by greed.

Firstborn Multimedia - The Outstanding Corporate Support Award

Firstborn Multimedia, and its founder, Michael Ferdman, have brought a dream to reality for North Shore Animal League America, creating the branding, the logo and website with which to host the groundbreaking American MuttiGrees Club, the world's largest mixed-breed dog registry. The American MuttiGrees Club will cultivate a vast community of dog lovers, instilling pride in millions who treasure their mixed-breed companions.

New York Post - The Media Award of Distinction

A news leader in the tri-state area, the New York Post responded to the Animal League's call to tell the story of three helpless Chihuahua puppies born without front legs, victims of a greedy backyard breeder. The publication's in-depth reporting and follow-up paved the way for international exposure of this dangerous practice.

Roxie and Molly - The Scarlett Award for Animal Heroism

Adopted from North Shore Animal League America, felines Molly and Roxie are ideal examples of devoted companion animals whose own lives were saved and who, through an inherent sense of loyalty harbored by a pet, returned the favor. As smoke filled their home, with the threat of fire imminent, Roxie woke her sleeping owner, saving all their lives and the family home.

Susan Ford and Kate Mizzoni - The Spirit of Compassion Award

Susan Ford and Kate Mizzoni serve as models of humanitarian compassion, staunch and unconditional in their beliefs that homeless animals deserve life and a safe haven. Through their perseverance and generosity at an upstate New York shelter, many pets facing grim fates have instead been embraced by loving adopters.

Christopher Appoldt - The Friend of the League Award

A gifted artist, Christopher Appoldt's photographic images of Animal League pets have beautifully portrayed both the need and the love abiding in hundreds of sweet, homeless pets. His photographs have inspired hundreds of adopters to save animals' lives, notably at the time of a critical puppy mill rescue.

Dr. Laura Gay Senk, Long Island Cat Project - The Alex Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center Award

As the driving force behind the Long Island Cat Project, Dr. Laura Gay Senk strives to reach humane and effective solutions to control and reduce Long Island's feral cat population. Her efforts have helped establish community awareness of the feral cat situation and fostered a network of caring individuals willing to implement programs that address the related issues.