Jane Lynch to join Hilary Swank as host of 'FOX's Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular' airing Thanksgiving night

Pedigree Food for Dogs to present the "Shelter Hero of the Year" Award 

Viewer donations to Petfinder Foundation will be distributed to organizations that help rescue dogs

Emmy Award-winner Jane Lynch is set to co-host FOX's "Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular" (previously titled "The Great American Dog-A-Thon"), alongside executive producer and co-host Hilary Swank, on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 27 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT) on FOX.

In addition, Pedigree Food for Dogs will present the "Shelter Hero of the Year" award, a special award honoring an individual who has dedicated his/her life to making sure shelter dogs receive the love, care and resources they need to find their forever home.

During the two-hour special, viewers will be provided with information regarding adoptable animals in their local areas and have the opportunity to make donations to the Petfinder Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that supports shelters and rescue groups nationwide. Viewers can donate via a text number provided during the broadcast or online via fox.com/causeforpaws. Donations will be accepted during the broadcast and for a period of time after the show.

"Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular" will include awards and celebrity presentations showcasing a variety of canine categories, including Cutest Puppy, Best Celebrity/Dog Lookalike, Funniest Dog, Most Talented Dog, Best Talking Dog and Best Viral Dog Video. Celebrities will introduce the audience to rescue dogs, giving viewers the opportunity to foster or adopt a new best friend.

Kristin Chenoweth, Whitney Cummings, Max Greenfield, Kathy Griffin, Julianne Hough, Randy Jackson, Cesar Millan, Jerry O'Connell, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, P!nk, Amber Riley, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Rossum and Jenna Dewan Tatum join previously announced celebrities participating in the event, including Paula Abdul, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Carrie Ann Inaba, Scarlett Johansson, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and Betty White. Also appearing are famous rescue canines The Olate Dogs, who will participate in an exclusive performance honoring all rescue dogs in need of adoption.

This special for the whole family will be a celebration of rescue dogs and the joy they bring to their families. It will feature inspiring and funny stories of rescue dogs, honor the best viral videos starring rescue pups, include games featuring dogs and celebrity participants, and feature stories honoring people who dedicate their lives to rescuing animals in need.

"Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular" also will promote awareness of many dog-related issues and topics to encourage people to choose to adopt one of the more than 8 million rescue animals currently in the U.S. shelter system, patiently waiting to become part of a loving family in a forever home. With millions of dogs left behind in animal shelters nationally, your new best friend could be waiting for you.

Get updates about "Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular" on www.FOX.com at fox.com/causeforpaws, on Facebook atfacebook.com/CauseForPawsFOX, and on Twitter @CauseforPawsFOX and #foxcauseforpaws.