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Wayne Pacelle speaking at an event earlier
this year. © The HSUS |
by Pepper Ballard
The National Italian American Foundation bestowed its top honor upon Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, for his work to combat animal cruelty and to promote the protection of animals.
Pacelle, a Connecticut-born Italian-American, received the NIAF's Special Achievement for Humanitarian Service award during the national nonprofit's 33rd anniversary gala Oct. 17 in Washington. The NIAF has only handed out 12 humanitarian awards since its inception in 1976. Frank Sinatra was the first recipient of the award, and was the only person honored at the group's 1985 gala.
"We only give it out when it's the right kind of person and Wayne is the right kind of person," said John B. Salamone, the NIAF's national executive editor. Past recipients include Dolores Hope, Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, John Paul DeJoria, Carmella La Spada and Connie Stevens.
Salamone, who met Pacelle for the first time about a year ago when his name was submitted for the honor, said his first impression was that Pacelle was "a guy who walked the walk, and talked the talk, as they say."
He said he is impressed that Pacelle helped animals personally in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and by his continuous work to improve the lives of animals.
"When it comes right down to it, any organization, no matter how wonderful its mission, is only as good as the individual who's leading it," he said.
Pacelle, who has been leading The HSUS since 2004 after serving nearly 10 years as its chief lobbyist and spokesman, is the youngest of four children born to parents Patricia and Richard Pacelle of New Haven, Conn. Richard Pacelle's family is originally from Provincia de Caserta and Castelpagano, Italy.
"I obviously feel a great deal of pride in being recognized by the nation's leading Italian-American organization for my work to help animals," Pacelle said. "I am pleased that the National Italian American Foundation recognizes the importance of promoting the principles of kindness and compassion and how fostering these ideas help in building a civil society."
Growing up, Pacelle said his family was very close, and it was that familial grounding, along with a strong sense of community and concern for others, that nurtured his ability to speak out of concern for animals.
Pacelle said that he felt pride in growing up in an Italian-American community in New Haven, and also enjoys his frequent travel to Italy.
"Italians have contributed immensely to the arts, cuisine, history, architecture, government and philosophy, and have enriched all of Western civilization," Pacelle added. "They have also had their share of individuals promoting a compassionate concern for others. One of my historical heroes is St. Francis of Assisi and I am proud to carry on his work of promoting mercy to all of God's creatures."
