The Van Es Family – Johnjay, Blake, Jake, Kemp & Dutch

Johnjay Van Es, a popular radio host, along with his dedicated family, created #lovepup to foster homeless pets and find them forever homes. In addition, The Van Es Family uses their national platform to promote adoption to millions of listeners and social media followers.

Animal Hero – Cuffie

An adopted cat who saved the life of a little boy who was plummeting toward a diabetic coma in the middle of the night. Cuffie is not only a beloved family member, but a medical miracle.

Animal Survivor – BB Bear

Found beaten and broken, this tiny, white puppy fought for his life and quickly became a social media sensation. As BB Bear courageously regained his strength, he had people all over the world falling in love with him resulting in more than 200 adoption applications.

Loyal Companion – Stella the Pitbull

This once abandoned Pit Bull brought joy back into the lives of a family affected by cancer and depression – and ultimately saved a daughter on the brink of suicide. Through a challenging time, Stella provided comfort and happiness for a family in need.

Service to the Community – Nana

Found stranded in the unforgiving desert as a two-day old puppy, this adorable and laid back dog now provides support to individuals all over the state as a therapy dog. Not only does Nana provide comfort and assistance to those in need, she is a true testament to the benefits of adopting a shelter dog.

Over the Rainbow Bridge – Fozzie

As the nationʼs first full-time crisis response canine, the Scottsdale Police Departmentʼs K9 officer, Fozzie, provides a healing paw during times of crisis. This special canine leaves behind a legacy of providing love and support to humans, including 911 operators and First Responders, in their time of need and vulnerability.

Jackson Galaxy – Honorary Chair

Jackson Galaxy is a prominent cat behaviorist, published author and the host of Animal Planet’s hit show My Cat from Hell.

Click Here for Jackson Galaxy’s full bio.

Lindsay Benjamin – Event Chair

Lindsay is on the Board of Directors for People Saving Pets, a non-profit which provides financial funding for organizations aimed at decreasing the number of euthanized animals in shelters and supporting legislation to help protect animals nation-wide. She practices family law and currently serves Of Counsel at the Tyler Allen Law Firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Lindsay is an Arizona native and lives with her husband, two children and four rescue animals.

Ian Schwartz, CBS 5 Meteorologist – Emcee

Ian Schwartz is a Phoenix native happy to be back working in his hometown! He’s worked around the country as a reporter prior to his current role. Ian has covered many stories showing the horrors of animal abuse and the benefits animals of all sizes bring into our lives. Follow him on Instagram for weather updates and Arizona beauty told through pictures. @SchwartzTV