by Norma Schwartzberg
Spring is here, trees are green, and pretty flowers are here. There is no better time for a rooftop party than
PAWS NY did to celebrate its annual fundraiser
Once again the fashionable rooftop Monarch in midtown Manhattan was the venue for PAWS NY's gala. Attendees had the unique opportunity to appreciate the New York skylight and delightful golden sunset while sipping Champagne, very classic. Some of the guests arrived with their furry friends all dressed up ready to party! Patrons, PAWS NY staff and volunteers, and the press, all came together to celebrate and endorse this magnificent organization which not only helps animals but also helps people who are in difficult situations as sometimes life comes with not-too-pleasant surprises placing individuals in the middle of a very burdensome position making them give up their pets. PAWS NY has paramount programs that help people to have the key in their hands to open the door to a much better solution providing foster care for their furry friends and keeping them out of shelters. Compassion and understanding are crucial to resolving conflicts involving an innocent animal. The population of homeless cats and dogs has been increasing dramatically for the last 10 years and is an alarming situation, however, there are some solutions to address this issue in the right direction, and PAWS NY has an efficient foster care program bringing abandoned or chronic homeless cats and dogs into a temporary home to protect and prepare them for their forever happy home. Additionally, PAWS provide aid to elder New Yorkers with disabilities or illnesses who may face challenges when it comes to taking care of their pets. Volunteers play an essential role, they are responsible for balancing the foremost mission of this wonderful organization. There is no “I” in TEAM, and working together and giving the best of oneself is the key to achieving success which is the final goal of these dedicated individuals. The gala was the casual and friendly one where guests enjoyed delicious finger food by "Pet Plate", wine, Champagne, beer, and traditional cookies. There was a large silent auction with a large variety of items from tickets to a taping of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen; a two-night stay at a Loews Hotel; VIP tickets to a taping of The Daily Show; pet photo sessions with photographer Kara Mergl; a gift package from Brooklyn Candle Studio; tickets to Sleep No More; a $500 gift card and private shopping party at Veronica Beard; tickets to an American Ballet Theatre performance; a three-month Equinox membership, tickets to New York City sporting events; and much more.
A live auction took place during the second part of the program, led by the auctioneer Lucas Hunt of HUNT Auctioneers. Attendees were encouraged to bring their furry friends along which made the reception more fun and "barking", 153 human guests and 14 furry adorable guests total. During the program, Ana Hernandez Senior Manager of Community Engagement, and Erin Earley Senior Director of Community Engagement from ASPCA were honored for their significant contribution to PAWS. It is important to mention that ASPCA donated that night $100.000 to PAWS making the largest donation any organization has kindly given in the last few years. Furthermore, outstanding volunteers were honored by Rachel Herman Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY, and they were Cammy Hickman and Alix Sobler for their love and dedication all these years volunteering with absolute commitment. The fun gala raised $66,904 plus ASPCA donation making a total of $166,904!
No bad for a barking night! Woof!
NYC77Events praises PAWS NY, for its great work.
MORE IMAGES BELOW
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING
Rachel Herman
FOUNDER and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
PAWS NY
ALIX SOBLER
LONG TIME VOLUNTEER
AT
PAWS NY
AWARDED DURING THE GALA
CAMMY HICKMAN
AWARDED VOLUNTEER FOR HER DEDICATED WORK
AT PAWS NY
