Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2025) – This Saturday, April 5th, Helen Woodward Animal Center will present David and Kelly Backes with the 2025 “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.
David Backes (former NHL player with the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues, two-time Olympian and Silver medalist) and his wife Kelly, an animal welfare professional, founded the non-profit organization, Athletes for Animals in 2013. The high-visibility organization utilizes the star power of professional athletes who share a passion for rescuing and protecting the welfare of homeless pets nationwide.
The philanthropic couple’s passion for animal welfare began early on. Following years of volunteering at the local humane society in college, their dedication to animals was amplified when they first fostered and later adopted Rodney, a severely abused and neglected dog from Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The couple helped rehabilitate him and say he is their inspiration for the start of their efforts.
Since that time, the Backes’ have devoted their time and energy to dozens of animal shelters and rescues. The couple spent years as Board Members at Five Acres Animal Shelter, a no-kill organization in the St. Louis area, where Kelly served as interim Executive Director and was also the Vice President of the Board. During their time there, they helped lead the small organization to a bright future through a million-dollar capital campaign and the construction of a new canine building that is still thriving.
Additionally, David and Kelly have opened their home to numerous foster pets in need, visited some of the nation’s most dire puppy mills, and even helped with an international rescue for two lucky dogs from Sochi, Russia during the 2014 Olympic Games.
Now, through their own non-profit, Athletes for Animals, David and Kelly are extremely passionate about teaming up with other athletes to further their efforts. Employing a model they believe in, they have helped organizations across North America by pairing athletes with shelters and granting funds to rescue groups in need.
They currently live in Brentwood, Tennessee with their daughter Stella, their son Dawson, their rescue dog Kona, and an ever-changing number of foster animals.
Helen Woodward Animal Center was fortunate to connect with the Backes 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. Since 2014, David and Kelly Backes have chosen to utilize their strong social media presence by promoting the annual campaign, lending their star-power by creating personal and meaningful posts asking the world to participate on the special day.
The Humane Award is presented annually by Helen Woodward Animal Center President, 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 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.
“In their efforts towards the Remember Me Thursday® campaign, the Backes have shone a consistent light, joining us each year to be a voice for animals in need,” said Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms. “This, along with their monumental personal efforts towards rescue and the work of their incredible non-profit, is a clear illustration of how truly their hearts belong to the animals. We are honored to name them this year’s recipients of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Humane Award.”
Regarding their love of animals, the dedicated couple believes that no matter the standards — age, breed, or size — there is an adoptable animal waiting for each and every one of us to step up and help save their life.
David stated: “When you follow what you love, goodness follows you.”
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.
WHAT: Helen Woodward Animal Center Humane Awards Honoring Animal Advocates David and Kelly Backes
WHERE: Private Address (Media may inquire for interview opportunities…)
WHEN: SATURDAY, April 5th 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 David and Kelly Backes
3:10pm – David and Kelly accept award and speak
3:30pm – Final Thank Yous
(MEDIA INTERVIEWS WELCOME)
4:30pm – Event ends
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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.
