Van Cliburn Launches HSUS 50th Anniversary with Kennedy Center Concert; Photo Available

2/26/2004

From: Rachel Querry of HSUS, 301-258-8255

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Now representing the interests and concerns of over eight million members and constituents, and with a staff of nearly 300 working across the country and around the world to protect animals, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a piano recital by world renowned pianist Van Cliburn, who, in a rare performance, appeared at Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 25.

The HSUS presented Cliburn with the James Herriot Award, which the HSUS bestows annually to an outstanding individual who has helped to promote and inspire an appreciation and concern for animals among the public. Immediately after the performance, Cliburn walked out on the Concert Hall stage accompanied by Paul G. Irwin's, HSUS president and CEO, dog Cedric and was presented with the James Herriot Award.

Cliburn recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards. He has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Cliburn is best known for winning the First International Tchaikovsky Competition held in Moscow in 1958 during the height of the Cold War. His triumphant return was greeted with a ticker-tape parade in New York City.

The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. For more information, visit The HSUS' Web site - http://www.hsus.org .

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