Katherine Heigl Honored at Petco Foundation Hope Gala

During her days on the ABC drama Grey’s Anatomy, she won an Emmy for her portrayal of medical intern Dr. Izzie Stevens. For helping to heal the lives of countless dogs in need through the efforts of The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, actress Katherine Heigl, along with her mother Nancy Heigl, has won the admiration of all animal lovers, and on June 20th the high-profile daughter/mother duo were honored at the seventh annual Petco Foundation Hope Gala.

From across the country, more than 700 community and business leaders with a shared passion for compassion gathered at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California for ‘A Celebration of Love.’ The evening included not only an awards presentation, but also a Rescues and Runway Fashion Show, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions, all for a paws cause.

By accepting the prestigious Hope Award, Katherine and Nancy Heigl have followed in the footsteps of such famous friends of Fidos and felines as Ellen DeGeneres, Betty White and Hilary Swank.

“We are humbled and honored to be the recipients of this year’s Hope Award,” the actress stated. “The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation was established out of love for animals and for my brother, Jason, who loved all creatures. I am so proud to join the Petco Foundation in celebrating the common goal that we all have to make a difference in animals’ lives.

In recognition of The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation‘s continuing commitment to creating a better tomorrow for homeless animals through sterilization, adoption and relocation programs, The Petco Foundation has awarded the non-profit with a $100,000 grant. The recipient of the gala’s 2015 Paul Jolly Compassion Award– the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas, an open-intake shelter with a 90 percent save rate since October 2010– will be presented with a $75,000 grant to aid the facility’s ongoing efforts.

For more information about The Petco Foundation, which helps to find forever pet parents for more than 400,000 homeless dogs and cats each year:

• visit www.petcofoundation.org

Photos courtesy The Petco Foundation