Star Studded BROADWAY BARKS 11 Set for July 11 in Shubert Alley

Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters will host the eleventh annual BROADWAY BARKS!, a star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. The event, produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and sponsored by the ASPCA and Pedigree® with additional sponsorship by the New York Times will take place on Saturday, July 11h in Shubert Alley (located between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m.; celebrity presentations of pets from citywide animal shelters will take place between 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Marking the 11th Anniversary of the organization, BROADWAY BARKS 11 will once again help many of New York City's shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of "homeless" dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. Last year's BROADWAY BARKS! attracted an audience of more than 7,000 theater fans, pet owners, and animal lovers, and featured the participation of more than 26 animal shelters from the New York City area, as well as Broadway stars from the hit shows of the season, ending in a total of over 125 adoptions.

"According to recent statistics, we learned that we are making a difference," says actress, Mary Tyler Moore. "In 2002, the rate of euthanasia among shelter animals was at 74% of total intake. We are proud that as a result of our efforts, in 2008, the number of animals killed in NYC shelters has dropped to 39% of total intake. That means nearly 15,000 fewer animals have been euthanized in our city's shelters compared to 2003."

Bernadette Peters, who adopted her dogs, Kramer and Stella, from the ASPCA and the AC&C commented, "We're doing our part to make New York City a more humane place for animals. Through our collaborative efforts, of which Broadway Barks is a part, we're moving steadily toward our goal of ensuring that every healthy and treatable dog and cat in New York City has a home."

"This milestone means that for the third year in a row, more than half of the dogs and cats in our city shelters are leaving alive," said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA, and co-sponsor of Broadway Barks. "Although there's more work to be done, we are proud that New York City's efforts to save the lives of adoptable animals continues to improve and is moving in the right direction."

"Pedigree® Food for Dogs, is pleased to be returning again as one of the title sponsors of Broadway Barks," said John Anton, Director of Pedigree ®. "Our partnership with Broadway Barks is such a natural fit for Pedigree® and our efforts to increase the education and awareness of the plight of homeless dogs across the country."

Peters will be signing her New York Times Bestseller, Broadway Barks, at the event. The colorful children's book maps the journey of a young pup found in Central Park who finds his way to Shubert Alley to become part of the annual event. Included is an exclusive CD which features Peters reading the story and singing an original song for which she composed the music and lyrics. Peters' royalties from the sale of the book will go to the organization. She is currently penning her second book.

A galaxy of Broadway stars will join Moore and Peters for this special benefit, presenting the animals for adoption. Stay tuned for more information on these names.

BROADWAY BARKS 11 will feature a sampling of potential pets from several New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies, including A Cause for Paws, Adopt A Boxer Rescue, Animal Haven, Anjellicle Cats Rescue, Arf, ASPCA, AC&C, BARC, Bide-A-Wee, Bobbi & the Strays, City Critters, Humane Society of New York, Husky House, Kitty Kind, Long Island Greyhound Rescue, Loving Touch, Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, NYC Siamese Rescue, Pet-I-Care, PLUTO, Russell Refuge, Save Kitty, Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare, Stray from the Heart and Tigger Foundation. Representatives from these organizations will be on hand to offer educational information on spaying and neutering.

BROADWAY BARKS 11 will also feature an auction of celebrity-autographed memorabilia. Proceeds from the auction and other donations received during the day will benefit the shelters and organizations attending BROADWAY BARKS 11.

For more information about BROADWAY BARKS 11, call (212) 840-0770, extension 477, or visit www.BroadwayBarks.com.

Photo by Rick Edwards