Fundraising Gala Supports the Mission to Save Dogs and Cats in Need
NYC Second Chance Rescue hosted its 6th Annual Rescue Ball at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City, bringing together animal advocates, philanthropists and supporters for an evening dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in need.
The organization’s signature fundraising gala celebrated its lifesaving work while raising critical support for its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable animals, including those who are critically injured, neglected or at high risk of euthanasia.
Celebrating Animal Welfare Champions
This year’s Rescue Ball honored Ralph Macchio, Rob and Marisol Thomas, founders of Sidewalk Angels Foundation, and Dr. Tom Walker. Each honoree received the Angel & Hero Award in recognition of their dedication to animal welfare and their ongoing commitment to protecting animals in need.
Special guests included animal advocates Georgina Bloomberg and Elaine Hendrix. The evening also featured a performance by John Lloyd Young, while DJ GEO ROC kept the energy high throughout the night.
An Evening of Giving and Celebration
Guests enjoyed Tito’s Handmade Vodka specialty cocktails, a vegetarian and vegan menu, and live and silent auctions as NYC Second Chance Rescue celebrated 17 years of impact and more than 17,000 lives saved.
One of the evening’s standout live auction moments came with the bidding for a Hampton Jollys® vehicle. The spirited auction closed at an impressive $85,000 for the eye-catching 1966 sky-blue Fiat 500 Jolly conversion, donated by Hampton Jollys, a division of Carriage House Motor Cars.
Supporting Lifesaving Rescue Work
Proceeds from the evening will support NYC Second Chance Rescue’s ongoing mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome critically injured and neglected animals. Funds will also help the nonprofit expand community outreach initiatives, including medical programs, free microchipping, and spay and neuter clinics.
Through its foster network, medical partnerships and Adoption Center in Long Island City, the organization continues to provide vulnerable animals with urgent care, rehabilitation and a path toward permanent homes.
Notable Attendees and Supporters
Notable attendees included Ralph Macchio, Rob and Marisol Thomas, Georgina Bloomberg, Elaine Hendrix, David Lauren, Lauren Bush Lauren, Dylan Lauren, Joe Gatto, Bessy Gatto, Mike Woods, Dr. Tom Walker, Dr. Dan Belkin, Shouka Amirsolimani, Dr. Tomas Infernuso, John Lloyd Young, and NYC Second Chance Rescue’s Jennifer Brooks, Lisa Blanco, Lisa Rose and Kate McEntee.
NYC Second Chance Rescue extended its thanks to Rescue Ball Top Dog Sponsor TD Bank. Champion sponsors included Bloomberg Philanthropies, WJFNY Real Estate, Animal Surgical Center, Cirrus Nexus, Douglas Elliman Jessica Peters Team, Active International, Certified Services Group, Wag Creek, and Jamie and Sandra Ginsberg. Partners included Designs by Mark Masone, McCall Risk Group Inc., Travel Event Staffing, and Bonded Par, Michael and Amy Nugent.
About NYC Second Chance Rescue
NYC Second Chance Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 and dedicated to saving the most vulnerable animals from overcrowded municipal shelters. To date, the organization has rescued more than 17,000 dogs and cats, the majority of whom were facing euthanasia.
Focused on large-breed dogs and critically ill cats and dogs, NYC Second Chance Rescue provides lifesaving medical care, rehabilitation and placement through a robust foster network and its Adoption Center in Long Island City.
To adopt, foster, donate or volunteer, visit www.nycsecondchancerescue.org and help save lives.
