Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (April 28, 2026) – This Saturday, May 2nd, Helen Woodward Animal Center will present Alison Sweeney with the 2026 “Humane Award.” The prestigious annual award will be presented in front of an invitation-only group of high-level donors at the private home of a dedicated Center supporter.
Alison Sweeney is a beloved multi-hyphen talent whose work on screen has entertained millions. An award-winning actress, Sweeney starred as beloved villain Samantha “Sami” Brady on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives, from 1993 to 2014. In 2007, began hosting The Biggest Loser and subsequently graced the cover of magazines including Shape, Prevention and Glamour while hosting the hit reality series for 13 seasons. Since 2015, she has starred in over 30 Hallmark movies, including the Hannah Swensen Mystery franchise, based on books by Joanne Fluke, for which she is also executive producer and occasionally script writer.
As robust as her Hollywood life has been, off-screen, Sweeney is an equally passionate champion for animals in need and a true force for good in the world of animal welfare. She has long used her voice and platform to promote compassion for animals, responsible pet care, and the lifesaving impact of adoption, partnering with organizations that protect animals and strengthen the deep bond between people and their pets. This includes serving as an Ambassador for American Humane and supporting programs that help pets find loving homes.
Helen Woodward Animal Center was fortunate to connect with the Sweeney through the Center created campaign, Remember Me Thursday® (RMT) – a global event held each fourth Thursday in September to unite animal-lovers, animal welfare organizations and celebrities to be a proud voice for orphan pets waiting in shelters. As a featured campaign luminary, she helps raise awareness and inspire action each year alongside fellow advocates and animal lovers around the world.
The Humane Award is presented annually by Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO, Mike Arms, to a person or entity that has made a significant positive impact on the animal welfare world – devoting their time, energy, and resources to improving the quality of life for orphaned animals. Past recipients include David and Kelly Backes, Brittany Aldean, Maggie Lawson, Bo Derek, DA Summer Stephan, Carrie Ann Inaba, Kristen Bell, Diane Keaton, Betty White, Jackson Galaxy, Tippi Hedren, and Linda Blair.
“Alison’s efforts towards the Remember Me Thursday® campaign, along with her genuine love for animals and her tireless advocacy reflect a compassionate spirit that makes the world better, not just for animals, but for the people whose lives they touch,” said Arms, “We are honored to name her this year’s recipient of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Humane Award.”
For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center or the Humane Awards, log on to https://animalcenter.org or stop by in person at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
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WHAT: Helen Woodward Animal Center Humane Awards Honoring Animal Advocate Alison Sweeney
WHERE: Private Address (Media may inquire for interview opportunities…)
WHEN: SATURDAY, May 2nd between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
2:00pm – Guests arrive and beverages and canapes served.
2:55pm – Helen Woodward Animal Center Humane Award Ceremony begins
3:05pm – Mike Arms presents award to Alison Sweeney
3:10pm – Alison Sweeney accepts award and speaks
3:30pm – Final Thank Yous
(MEDIA INTERVIEWS WELCOME)
4:30pm – Event ends
MEDIA CONTACT: To attend this private event, please contact PR Director Jessica Gercke at jessicag@animalcenter.org or by cell at (619) 977-0999.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org.
