Family to be Presented with Circle of Compassion Award at Tribute on Saturday
WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States announced that it will present the Monahan family with the Circle of Compassion award in memory of their son, Tommy. The award recognizes and honors individuals who have performed an act of significant courage or compassion to assist an animal in need.
Patrick Kwan, The HSUS state director for New York, will present the award this Saturday at a tribute and fundraiser for Tommy. The event will be at the St. Thomas School in Staten Island. For more information, call Jim Monreale at 718-966-5685.
Nine-year-old Tommy died on December 16, 2007 while trying to rescue his dog, Sophie, and pet lizard from a raging fire in his Prince's Bay home. An avid lover of animals and nature, he did what was in his heart and tried to rescue the animals who were so dear to him.
"The world lost a young man of incredible compassion when young Tommy Monahan died so tragically," said Kwan. "His courage and commitment to save animals will live on as a reminder to all of us that the human spirit has an infinite capacity to protect the creatures who share our world."
In addition, the Staten Island Animal Care Center is dedicating a new surgical suite in memory of Tommy. Construction of the "Thomas P. Monahan V Surgical Suite" is expected to be completed in June.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty – On the web at humanesociety.org.
