Rachael Ray plans Mutt Madness pet charity contest

August 09, 2009 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Dogs, Shelters, The Dog House, pet health, rescue dogs

Pets Mutt Madness

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES — Rachael Ray is looking for 64 charities to compete in a $200,000 contest to find the most deserving pet cause in the country.

Using basketball’s March Madness format, Mutt Madness will start with 64 contestants, Ray said. These will be whittled down by Ray and a panel of pet lovers from entries submitted through www.rachaelray.com/muttmadness by Sept. 30.

Each of the top 64 groups gets $1,000. Winners of the next several rounds, chosen by online votes, will get another $1,000. The final voting showdown is worth $25,000 for second place and $50,000 for the winner. The champ will be announced in early December, Ray said. (more…)