Rachael Ray Creates “Mutt Madness”

Rachael Ray announced yesterday that she’s launching a pet charity contest to support “no-kill animal wellness.” She’s looking for 64 qualified organizations to compete in a brackets-style program in which the public will vote for what they feel is the most deserving pet cause in the country. (Entries must be submitted to her website by September 30th.)

Rachael with her first dog, a pit bull named Boo. Jim Wright/AP

According to the Associated Press, “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.”

Rachael—whose first dog was a pit bull named Boo—also started Rachael's Rescue, an organization committed to helping at-risk animals through adoption, medical care, training and outreach.

For more information, read the AP story here, or go to Rachael’s website.