Numerous celebrities came together at the Grand Hyatt in New York City last Friday for the North Shore Animal League America’s annual “Get Your Rescue On” gala.
Funds raised by the event go toward the construction of Bianca’s Furry Feline Friends Adoption Center, an expansion to the North Shore Animal League America building in Port Washington. A ground breaking on the project was held last Wednesday, an event that shared several attendees with Friday’s gala. Chief among them was the group’s celebrity spokeswoman, Beth Stern.
“Every gala is special for Howard and me but this year, having just broken ground for Bianca’s Furry Feline Friends Adoption Center two days ago, it was truly meaningful,” Stern said, referring to her husband, radio host Howard Stern, who also attended the gala. “Your continued support this holiday season will help us with our dream and move forward on this state-of-the-art project that will save and improve so many animals’ lives.”
Along with the Sterns, attendees included actress Kathryn Erbe of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”; author and TV personality Carole Radziwill; actress Selenium Leyva of “Orange Is the New Black”; celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito; Hallmark Channel President Bill Abbott; New York Yankees play-by-play TV announcer Michael Kay; TV producer, entertainer and comedian Brian Balthazar; WPIX-11 Evening News anchor Tamsen Fadal; iHeart Radio personality Maria Milito; fashion designer Marc Bouwer and actress Christine Evangelista among others.
In addition to performances by tribute band Bee Gees Gold and comedian Scott Blakeman, several awards were given out. Chief among them was the Crystal Collar, which was presented to New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, although Fariña was unable to attend.
“The chancellor received the award for a comfort dog program that has expanded to over 30 schools in the New York City public school system,” said North Shore Animal League America spokeswoman Kathleen Lynn.
