By Gina Yarbrough
Rancho Santa Fe, CA–Helen Woodward Animal Center honored actress Alison Sweeney with its 2026 Humane Award during a private gathering of high-level donors May 2 at the home of a center supporter.
Sweeney was recognized for her advocacy on behalf of animals in need and for using her public platform to promote responsible pet care, compassion for animals and pet adoption. Her work has included serving as an ambassador for American Humane and supporting programs focused on helping pets find permanent homes.
The center first connected with Sweeney through its Remember Me Thursday campaign, a global awareness event held annually on the fourth Thursday in September to encourage animal adoption and support for shelter pets. As a featured campaign advocate, Sweeney has helped raise awareness for orphaned animals alongside animal welfare organizations and celebrity supporters worldwide.
“Alison’s efforts toward the Remember Me Thursday campaign, along with her genuine love for animals and her tireless advocacy, reflect a compassionate spirit that makes the world better, not just for animals, but for the people whose lives they touch,” said Mike Arms, president and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “We are honored to name her this year’s recipient of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Humane Award.”
The Humane Award is presented annually by Arms to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to animal welfare through advocacy, service and support for orphaned animals.
Sweeney is best known for portraying Samantha “Sami” Brady on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” from 1993 to 2014. She later hosted “The Biggest Loser” for 13 seasons beginning in 2007 and has appeared on the covers of publications including Shape, Prevention and Glamour. Since 2015, she has starred in more than 30 Hallmark films, including the “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” franchise, based on novels by Joanne Fluke, where she also serves as executive producer and occasional script writer.
Past recipients have included David Backes and Kelly Backes, Brittany Aldean, Maggie Lawson, Bo Derek, Summer Stephan, Carrie Ann Inaba, Kristen Bell, Diane Keaton, Betty White, Jackson Galaxy, Tippi Hedren and Linda Blair.
