ASPCA, Cindy Adams Host 3rd Annual Blessing of the Animals

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and New York Post columnist and ASPCA board member Cindy Adams are kicking off the 2011 holiday season with the Third Annual ASPCA Blessing of the Animals next Sunday, December 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, located at 520 Park Avenue and 60th Street in New York City.

This year's community event, which is sponsored by Live Oak Bank, draws a passionate and distinguished crowd of animal lovers and their beloved pets, whether furry or feathered. Led by Christ Church's Senior Minister, the Rev. Stephen Bauman, and Senior Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein of Central Synagogue, animals will join in a processional to the altar for their blessings. The renowned Brooklyn Youth Choir will perform holiday classics at the family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public. Donations of pet toys will be collected by the ASPCA for homeless pets at NYC Animal Care and Control.

"The annual Blessing of the Animals is an event that both the two-legged and four-legged members of the family can enjoy together," said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "This is a special occasion for animal lovers to focus on the important role that pets play in our lives and to celebrate their being during the holiday season."

"This is Live Oak Bank's first year supporting the Blessing of the Animals, and we look forward to celebrating the human-animal bond with fellow animal lovers," adds Jim Mahan, director of marketing at Live Oak Bank. "Live Oak Bank originated as a lending company solely for veterinarians and our pets are regulars in our offices, so it means a lot to us to take part in this tradition."