Lori Ann Smyth Softie Award
The Lori Ann Smyth Softie Award honors the memory of Show Your Soft Side’s late co-founder, who waged a courageous battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer. A lifelong vegetarian who shared her home with 5 dogs and 6 cats, Lori recruited many of the professional athletes and rockers involved in the organization’s campaign and provided the credibility necessary to engage these celebrity ambassadors, thanks to her extensive experience in the sports and music worlds.
Lori’s passion for animals will continue to guide and inspire us. The Lori Ann Smyth Softie Award will recognize and support the endeavors of one animal welfare advocate annually who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to protecting companion animals and reducing their suffering. The Show Your Soft Side Board will score all applications, and in case of a tie, celebrity Softie ambassadors will determine the winner.
Show Your Soft Side will provide the award recipient with their own photo shoot. To further honor the recipient, Show Your Soft Side will donate $5,000 to the animal shelter, rescue organization, or other 501(c)(3) animal protection organization designated by the award recipient. Applications are due September 1st. Show Your Soft Side will announce the award winner at an event in the fall of 2023.
Guidelines
- Nominees must live, work, or help companion animals in Maryland.
- Nominees must have a long-standing and demonstrated commitment to protecting companion animals through their employment or volunteer efforts.
- Applicants may nominate a friend/colleague or may nominate themselves.
- Nominees who have created or are engaged in innovative programs are favored.
- Two letters of recommendation must be submitted with each application.