NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Noah's Wish, a not for profit organization that has been working to rescue pets in the aftermath of Katrina, has teamed up with NBC News "Today" for a week-long promotion to encourage Americans to purchase and donate dog houses online. The dog houses will be assembled all week at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, which is being transformed into "Humanity Plaza" for five days as volunteers literally construct homes around-the-clock for families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. In addition to helping rebuild the lives of people affected by this tragedy, NBC recognizes that thousands of animals were also victims of Katrina. In response to this, NBC will highlight the efforts of Noah's Wish and Cape May Box Company, which has donated eight pre-fabricated dog houses to Noah's Wish to be assembled by children, celebrities and NBC executives during the week-long event. Every house that is donated will be shipped to Slidell, Louisiana and given to a family in need.
Animal lovers can contribute additional Cape May Box Company dog houses at wholesale cost with a donation to Noah's Wish at noahswish.org/doghouse.htm. Cape May Box Company will oversee construction of the orders on the Plaza. Noah's Wish is appealing to pet lovers across the country to purchase a dog house that will be donated to a family in need. Dogs left homeless by Hurricane Katrina will be wagging their tails in gratitude to NBC News and the Cape May Box Company, when dog houses are built as part of an unprecedented effort by NBC News "Today," Habitat for Humanity International and Warner Music Group to help rebuild the Gulf Coast one nail at a time.
Noah's Wish does not support or endorse keeping pets outside and chained to dog houses. "It is common in the area where we are working for dogs to live outside, some all the time and others while their families are away," said Terri Crisp, Founder and Director of Noah's Wish. "Due to the hurricane, many families now have no choice but to keep their animals outdoors because their houses are destroyed. The donated dog houses will provide these animals protection from the weather. Of course, we would much rather see the dogs have access to a home and a yard, but the reality is that is never going to happen for many of these dogs."
Noah's Wish arrived in Slidell, Louisiana immediately after Katrina devastated the city and has been working tirelessly with Slidell Animal Control to rescue and shelter pets left behind. Over 750 animals are being cared for at the Noah's Wish temporary shelter. The donated dog houses will be distributed by Noah's Wish and Animal Control to residents who are able to return to their homes and also will be provided to dogs who are adopted into loving new homes.
"We are delighted that NBC News has selected Noah's Wish to participate in this event and to help raise awareness of our efforts to rescue and shelter animals affected in the aftermath of Katrina," said Terri Crisp, Founder and Director of Noah's Wish. "On behalf of the hundreds of dogs in our shelter who will benefit from the generosity and kindness of Cape May Box Company, we say thank you!"
Noah's Wish hopes to reunite all pets with their owners. If that is not possible, pets will be placed into long-term foster care until loving, new homes are found. "Cape May Box Company is proud to lend support to Noah's Wish by providing dog houses for pets that were displaced by Hurricane Katrina," said David Descakzi, Owner, Cape May Box LLC. "We'll do our very best to see to it that every dog who needs shelter has a Cape May Box Company Dog House to call home." Humanity Plaza, while serving as a construction zone, will also serve as a destination for viewers and visitors to get involved and learn about ways to help the victims of Katrina. If you want to help "Make a Difference Today" for dogs affected by Katrina, make a donation to purchase a Cape May Box Company Dog House at noahswish.org/doghouse.htm . For every donated dog house to Noah's Wish, Cape May Box Company will include a free Dog Deck and Dog Door. Three sizes of dog houses may be donated: Small Dog House $75 dollar donation/ Medium Dog House $100 donation/ Large Dog House $125 donation.
The Habitat for Humanity Homes and the Cape May Box Company pre-fabricated Dog Houses will be assembled by thousands of citizens -- including current Habitat for Humanity employees and volunteers, employees of NBC Universal and Warner Music Group, and visitors to the Plaza throughout the week. Celebrities and musicians from NBC Universal and Warner's vast rosters will join the efforts by raising hammers, and even some microphones with special performances throughout the week of the 26th, including a kickoff concert on that Monday. Other animal welfare organizations will participate in the week-long event including the Humane Society of the United States, North Shore Animal League and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The Cape May Box Company:
The Cape May Box Company was started in 1999 with one goal in mind, build "Products You Can Put Your Life In." Using only the highest quality materials, Cape May Box manufactures the most affordable and well-built indoor and outdoor cedar storage on the market for people throughout the United States. Unlike other storage related firms Cape May Box specializes in custom-sized outdoor storage boxes such as storage benches for porches and patios, custom-sized refuse containers and enclosures. Our growing pet line includes six different sized Dog Houses, a Dog Door and Dog Deck for each house, and a Dog Feeder. www.capemaybox.com
MSNBC.com will have a special section of the "Today" page dedicated to "Make a Difference Today" with general information about the project, information and links for all the organizations, video gallery, celebrity slideshow and more, all of which can be found at www.today.msnbc.com.
Images of "Humanity Plaza" will be made available on NBC's Media Village website at www.nbcmv.com.
Noah's Wish is a 501 c3 not for profit organization based in Sacramento, California. Photos of Noah's Wish rescue operation in Slidell, LA are available at: http://media.primezone.com/noahswish/