Rachael Ray giving your favorite pet charity $50K

Rachael Ray, host of 30-Minute Meals and a daytime talk show, is taking off her apron to put on Mutt Madness-a pet charity contest worth a total of $200,000 based on basketball's March Madness. Best yet, the public-that's you-gets to pick the winners.

Any nonprofit organization that practices no-kill animal wellness is welcome to enter. A panel of judges, including Ray, will narrow the entrants to a field of 64. Charities that make it into bracket play will be able to post a profile on Ray's Web site explaining why they should win. Then you start casting your votes. After six rounds of voting and cash rewards, two organizations will face off for the grand prize of $50,000. Don't feel too bad for the second place charity: It will take home $25,000.

To be considered, qualified charities must submit their online entries by Sept. 30. Voting begins Oct. 12, and the winner will be announced in early December.