Jamie Leigh's Animal Nation

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Jamie Leigh's Animal Nation

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NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/25/2005 -- She's still at it!

There's just no stopping Jamie Leigh when it comes to her work on behalf of the world's needy and at risk animals. Next week Leigh steps up once again as a voice for the creatures participating in New York's upcoming Holiday Festival taking place from December 1 through the 11th.

New Yorker's or those coming in for this incredible week long event in the Big Apple can pencil down Leigh's participation dates which have now been confirmed.

Leigh will be working and heading a charming and special activity where the public will be able to write a thank you card to an animal. A chance to thank them for their sacrifice, their loyalty, their compassion, their example, and how what they have sacrificed for us humans has kept us inspired and humble. The letters will then be hung up on string around the center during the course of the event. Leigh in addition will be speaking about advocating animal welfare with the public, as well as reading a very special story for those in attendance.

"She's very genuine and has always found an affinity with those less fortunate and those in need, and that's hard to come by these days. It's real easy for her to view the world through those eyes because she's one of them, and she's been in situations where she's been forced to find the light and strength despite the odds, and that's such a tremendous inspiration to me and so many who can relate and connect to that," says Lindsey Webber a fellow animal lover and participant in the festival. "She's had to fight for things in her life and make something from nothing which is the best way to grow in my opinion because everything you obtain is through raw perseverance and struggle. It's a great honor to have her here this year, it's going to be wonderful for her to experience this with us all for the very first time."

Inspired by the story of a little dog named Picasso, Leigh immediately partnered with local animal groups and the Mayor's Alliance of New York to get word out on the continued needs and attention of our pawed friends. "I was so moved by Picasso's story, I think it's an inspiration to anyone who takes the time to hear or read about it. Human and non-humans alike. This was an incredible animal. His story, and the lasting effect that his life has had on many animals, and will continue to have for many years to come, is a true miracle. This little guy made such a difference in so many people's lives while he was here on this earth, and continues to do so even now since he's been physically gone because his spirit has continued to live on and thrive. Picasso's story is one that will touch your heart, and stay there. Much like the painter himself, this animal's life and spirit is the perfect example of how beautiful being unique and different in this world truly is," Leigh said. "The importance of never giving up despite what you may lack on the outside or inside is so hopeful and inspiring, anyone can identify with that in some form, that's what I love so much about this; it's unique and very special."

"The connection and message between animals and human beings is one so simple, yet so powerful. The power of peace that leads to hope is rooted in the compassion of those who are different. Different colors of skin, different languages, different stories. Paws, feathers, scales, rough scarred skin... there is a continual thread, and that is the thread that must be celebrated and used to bring unity, not seperation. Fingers and paws alike, this is the work of embracing that which usually divides."

Even George T. Angell once confessed, "I am sometimes asked, "Why do you spend so much of your time and money talking about kindness to animals when there is so much cruelty to mankind?" I answer: "I am working at the roots."

In addition to the festival, Leigh is also currently wrapping up work on her brand new interactive website with New York designer Andrew Felix that is set to debut in conjuction with the fair. When asked about Leigh's work ethic Felix commented, "After looking through all of her stuff that she had done leading up to this point, I realized she must never stop working. She sleeps about 2 hours a night if she's lucky, she's always moving. I was extremely impressed to say the least, she's obviously very dedicated and passionate about all that she does and it's been fun for me to see what we could come together and create. She's insanely self-disciplined, that much I can assure. If there's something she has in mind, an idea, a concept, she'll keep poking and working at it until something is manifested. Throughout the process she had lots of notes, all kinds of things written down, ideas she had - she knows exactly what she wants and has a very creative and strong work ethic and interesting way of seeing things, I've learned a lot from her."

The concept, an original by Leigh, is described as a cross between the "Imagination and dream-like fun of Willy Wonka, with a worldly and strong cultural base." The social awareness theme which seems to run through all of Leigh's work will no doubt be ever present and incorporated into this new launch. "It's completely new and different and introduces all kinds of new media that she hasn't experimented with before. All of her personal and humanitarian influences are in there because that's what she's all about, but this time around we've turned things up a bit, taken them to the next level. I think people are going to be very pleased with this new project, we hope everyone likes it as much as we do."

In Support of NYC’s At-Risk Animals
Opening Ceremony & Press Event – Dec 1, 11am
Dana Discovery Center, Central Park (110th & Lenox)

Picasso's Story Courtesy Of The New York Mayor's Alliance http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/picasso.htm

Jamie Leigh On The Web http://www.jamieleigh.net