hayden_uscongress6.jpgWhat’s it all about? Wyler Award is given to a celebrity who has made news on behalf of animals, and was named after Genesis Awards founder Gretchen Wyler, the former Broadway headliner and animal activist, who died last year. And this year, they’re going to give it to whale advocate Hayden Panettiere who drew worldwide attention to the cruelty of Japan’s whale and dolphin slaughter. Woohoo! Beverly Kaskey, Senior Director of The Hollywood Office of The Humane Society of the United States, says

“We feel Hayden is a very worthy successor to Sir Paul McCartney, last year’s Wyler Award recipient. She’s an inspiring example to her generation, using her compassion, courage and celebrity to help animals in a very effective way.”

Wow! Succeeding Paul McCartney?? What an honor! Way to go Hayden Panettiere! =) Presented by The Humane Society of the United States, The 22nd Genesis Awards (which takes place this March 29, 2008 at The Beverly Hilton), honors the news and entertainment media for showcasing animal protection issues.