Kittens displaced by Hawaii fires party it up in Great American Rescue Bowl clip (original) (raw)
Say aloha to a few feline stars in this year's second annual Great American Rescue Bowl: Meowi Wowi, Hana Lulu, and Surfin Sammy.
In an exclusive clip from the special — which hails from Great American Family Channel and North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization — Meowi Wowi and Hana Lulu can be seen partying it up in one of the exclusive Sky Boxes while rooting for Surfin Sammy down on the field.
All three kittens are from Hawaii, which experienced devastating wildfires last year. As the narrator tells us in the clip above: "Because of the Hawaii fires, shelters in the islands have been overwhelmed, and these little kitties traveled over 5,000 miles to make room for fire victims in their home state."
Just like the inaugural special, this year's show seeks to raise awareness of the importance of animal adoption, by featuring adorable playmaking on the field between dogs and cats of all ages. "This year, we have two teams — the Adorables and the Cuddlers — and each have a kitten squad and puppy squad," explains returning host, author, and animal rights advocate Beth Stern. "We have more on-the-field action, and we captured ridiculously cute footage of the animals watching their friends playing from the luxury Sky Boxes, prepping in the locker rooms, and holding watch parties."
Second annual Great American Rescue Bowl.
Great American Family Channel
Speaking of, animals in the Sky Boxes like Meowi Wowi and Hana Lulu will be seen wearing Silpada charms on their collars. Part of the Pet Charms for a Cause Collection, the sterling silver charms and necklaces available help save more animals — 40% of proceeds from each charm or necklace purchase are donated by Silpada to North Shore Animal League America through the end of February. (20% of proceeds will continue to be donated after February.)
Elsewhere in the special, Stern promises, "We also have some really inspiring, heartwarming updates on animals who North Shore Animal League America has helped find loving homes. This whole show is a big, warm, fuzzy hug."
It's an admittedly great gig, but Stern admits it's not without its challenges. "There’s only so much story we can tell. Two hours just isn’t enough! Trying to squeeze in so much cuteness, fun, and animal rescue and adoption information into a once-a-year special is a tall order," she says, giving a shoutout to all the unsung heroes working off camera. "There are so many great people working behind-the-scenes to rescue these animals, care for them, and find them responsible, loving homes."
Stern continues, "And so many animals — I like to call them perfectly imperfect — need a little more TLC and a lot more spotlight directed onto them, so they find the perfect adopters, too. I always want to make sure the message I’m sharing with viewers is the best voice I can give to these animals."
Beth Stern as host of the Great American Rescue Bowl 2024.
Great American Family Channel
Stern, who says she doesn't pick favorites but particularly loved crowd-pleasing pup Ima Goodboy and sweet kitten Rob Groncatski from this year's lineup, also wants to stress to viewers that the dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens of the Rescue Bowl are representative of the wide array of animals available for adoption at North Shore Animal League America, and at shelters and rescue organizations across the country. Says Stern, "You can bring this unconditional love and cuteness into your home just by visiting your local rescue."
The Great American Rescue Bowl airs on Great American Family Channel on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11, from noon-2 p.m. ET.
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
Related content: