OZZY OSBOURNE Bassist ROBERT 'BLASKO' NICHOLSON To Be Honored At KITTEN RESCUE's 'Fur Ball At The Skirball' Gala

Robert "Blasko" Nicholson, bassist for OZZY OSBOURNE, will be honored by Kitten Rescue, one of Southern California's largest non-profit animal rescue organizations, with its 2019 Advocacy Award for his work homing adoptable cats and kittens.

"Blasko is a true cat lover with a passion for advocating for homeless cats," said Sandra Harrison, Kitten Rescue's executive director. "He has made it his mission to raise awareness and increase adoptions for black cats in particular. Through his social media channels, he has highlighted Kitten Rescue's black cats and has been instrumental in helping us to place many black cats. He has also raised funds for Kitten Rescue over the years through his birthday fundraisers and as an official member of Team Kitten Rescue in the LA Big 5k. We are so excited to honor Blasko with this year's Advocacy Award."

Blasko commented on his relationship with Kitten Rescue and receiving the group's Advocacy Award: "Kitten Rescue and I met through mutual friends Geezer and Gloria Butler, and I have assisted in many of their fundraising events over the years. Most recently, I have dedicated myself to helping them with the adoptions of their black cats because they are typically difficult to find homes for. I am beyond honored to be the recipient of their Advocacy Award this year."

Gloria and Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH) have been honored by and support Kitten Rescue and the group's mission. Geezer said: "As a fellow bass player and cat aficionado, I congratulate Blasko on a very well-deserved Advocacy Award. His work with rescuing cats, especially black cats, and helping to place them for adoption is an outstanding achievement, and worthy of this award. Congrats Blasko!"

Gloria Butler added: "I remember when my husband and I first mentioned Kitten Rescue to Blasko. I knew, like us, he was a cat lover, but he’s certainly taken the lead in his passion for and allegiance with Kitten Rescue. He attends adoption events, really pushing those black cats. He even runs the marathon with them!! Who knew? Anyway, I'm so happy to see Blasko getting honored this year. Well deserved!"

This year's event is hosted by TV and radio personality Mark Thompson (host of KFIAM 640's show "The Edge" on iHeartRadio). The event features an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, a plant-based three-course meal, live entertainment, awards, celebrity guests, and video presentations.

Sponsorship opportunities are here and tickets can be purchased by visiting here or by clicking here.

Kitten Rescue's annual "Fur Ball At The Skirball" gala is one of the organization's biggest yearly fundraisers. The funds raised enable the group to continue its never-ending mission of rescuing and rehabilitating homeless cats and kittens from Los Angeles's streets and city shelters. Kitten Rescue's volunteers adopt out over 1,000 cats and kittens into loving homes every year. Since it began, the group has rescued and placed over 21,000 cats. Thousands more have been helped through Kitten Rescue's volunteer-fueled education and outreach programs.

This year's celebrity guests include: Tricia Helfer ("Lucifer", "Battlestar Galactica"),Miranda Cosgrove ("iCarly", "Despicable Me"),Blasko, Instagram purrsonalities Nala Cat and Waverly McTinyBeans, Instagram personality Nathan Kehn (Nathanthecatlady),and other special guests. The presenting sponsor is The Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation, along with additional sponsors World's Best Cat Litter, Hueston Hennigan, JustMangoBrown, Cathy Berry, Michelson Found Animals, BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Custom Catios, Lady Freethinker and Love Nala. Over 350 guests are anticipated.

Previous attendees, honorees, special guests and hosts have included: Geezer Butler, "The Office"'s Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Zach Woods, Ellie Kemper ("The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"),Michael Trucco ("Battlestar Galactica", "Scandal"),Katee Sackhoff ("24", "Battlestar Galactica"),Emily Deschanel ("Bones"),Lesley-Ann Brandt ("Lucifer"),Casey Wilson ("Black Monday"),Wendi McLendon-Covey ("The Goldbergs"),Daniela Sea ("The L Word"),Tahmoh Penikett ("Battlestar Galactica", "Taken"),Kent King ("General Hospital"),Hannah Shaw (Kitten Lady),Councilman Paul Koretz, Billy McNamara (actor),Diane Warren (songwriter) and Joel Ward (magician).

More information regarding Kitten Rescue's adoptable kittens and cats, as well as volunteer opportunities, can be found at the the group's web site.