Produced by The Human Society of the United States (HSUS), the Genesis Awards have annually recognized outstanding works which raise public understanding of animal issues since 1986. In March 2003, the award was given to Kermit's Swamp Years for Children's Programming. Ritamarie Peruggi, David Gumpel, Michael Polis and Kermit the Frog appeared at the ceremony to accept. Backstage, Kermit was interviewed by VegTV and shared a kiss with Alicia Silverstone.