The Vampire Diaries actor Ian Somerhalder has admitted that he is truly honoured to be receiving the prestigious Wyler Award at The Humane Society of the United States' upcoming 26th Genesis Awards. The Wyler Award is given to a celebrity or a public figure, who use their higher status to alert people to the problems surround animal rights, something which Ian has been very vocal about.
Somerhalder explained, "The tireless efforts of The Humane Society of the United States to protect animals around the world has always been an inspiration to me and I'm honoured to be recognised with this year's Wyler Award." Meanwhile, Beverly Kaskey, the executive producer of the annual Genesis Awards and senior director of The HSUS's Hollywood Outreach praised Ian for his work.
She added, "Ian is the epitome of a new kind of advocate who leverages his fame and an array of media platforms to draw public attention to animal protection concerns and other issues that he cares deeply about. From addressing Congress to making TV appearances to regularly blogging to informing his million-plus followers on Twitter, Ian is a major voice and force for animals and a most deserving recipient of The Wyler Award."
The 26th Genesis Awards are set to take place on March 24 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The Awards ceremony is set to be hosted by Dancing with the Stars Carrie Anne Inaba.
