Ellen DeGeneres among Celebs Receiving PCRM's Voice of Compassion Award

This Saturday, Alicia Silverstone and Marilu Henner will receive the inaugural Voice of Compassion Award at PCRM’s 25th Anniversary Art of Compassion gala. The award honors those who, by word and example, have communicated compassion, caring, and the highest ethical principles. The Voice of Compassion Award was also presented this week to Ellen DeGeneres on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and to Portia de Rossi.

“Alicia Silverstone and Marilu Henner have had a tremendous impact in spreading the message about health issues related to diet and nutrition,” said Neal Barnard, M.D., PCRM’s founder and president. “They have played a particularly significant role in shining a spotlight on the powerful health benefits of a vegan diet.”

Actor, activist, and author Alicia Silverstone recently published her first book, The Kind Diet, now a New York Times best-seller. She exemplifies the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, including natural weight loss, clear skin, and tremendous energy. Alicia works tirelessly to support PCRM and numerous animal-related charities.

Marilu Henner’s entire life testifies to the power of her plant-based diet. The knowledge and discipline this actor, author, and full-time mom has gathered to maintain her demanding schedule is discussed in her books, including Marilu Henner's Total Health Makeover. She is working with PCRM to persuade Congress to reform the Child Nutrition Act to offer more healthful school lunches.

Host of the Emmy-winning The Ellen DeGeneres Show and judge on American Idol, Ellen has used her humorous and compassionate voice to raise awareness of health issues and environmental and animal welfare concerns. Portia, who shares those values, stars in ABC’s Better Off Ted and has appeared in Nip/Tuck, Arrested Development, and Ally McBeal.

PCRM’s gala brings attention to doctors and laypersons working together for compassionate and effective medical practice, research, and health promotion. The evening will be hosted by Kathy and Tom Freston, along with honorary committee co-chairs Cindy Landon, Richard Donner and Lauren Shuler-Donner, Maria and Wolfgang Petersen, and steering committee chair James Costa.

To purchase tickets to the gala and learn more about other celebrity members of the honorary committee, visit PCRM.org/Gala2010.