On Sunday June 10th, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) hosted their first annual Barkin’ and Meowin’ Brunch to kick off their Ninth Annual Unconditional Love Gala, which was held on July 21st, 2018 at a private residence.
The brunch was held at Calissa Restaurant, which donated 20% of their proceeds to the shelter, and welcomed guests including Gregory D’Elia, Unconditional Love Gala 2018 Chairman, Jean Shafiroff, Honorary Chair Unconditional Love Gala, Beau Hulse, Co-President of the Board, Jerry Rosenthal, Executive Director, Beatrix Parash, Director of Development and Fundraising, Katie McEntee, Junior Chair Unconditional Love Gala, Brigid Fitzgerald, Board member, Renee Schlather, Board member, and Unconditional Love Junior Committee members attending including, Jessica Macklin, Christine Prydatko, Julie Sinaw, James Marzigliano.
A bar was set up to make Aperol Spritzes while oversized bottles of rose were poured to accompany delicious dishes including French Toast with Sour Cherry Compote with whipped yogurt. The menu also featured eggs from local humane farms including Browders Farm. During brunch, guests were entertained with a fashion show by Marina St Barth, and after, an auction was held where they bid for the chance to win a Rose Soiree at the restaurant worth $1,500, a basket of summer wines from Sovereign Brands worth $500, and a Sommelier Blackjack at Amali in New York City.
Jerry Rosenthal, Executive Director, made a short toast to the shelter citing their achievements in the past year that include an incredible adoption rate and high rate of reunification of pets and owners. He then spoke about how “it was an honor to have rescued Mason, who is now the first shelter dog in New York to be accepted to K9s for Warriors and is now a service dog for one of our country’s veteran.” He then encouraged all attendees to purchase tickets for the gala to support their community shelter.
Throughout the afternoon, guests played with adorable adoptable cats and dogs. A litter of kittens, a senior Jack Russell called Fred, a Golden Retriever puppy named Zeus, a red nose Pitbull named Sister Girl and a mix breed puppy named Macy were among those looking for their forever families and received a lot of attention from guests both young and old.
Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation is unique on the East End, as it takes in animals from all seven villages and 16 hamlets in the Township and with its open admissions policy, it accepts all animals. The funds raised at this brunch helped support the shelters many services including low-cost, mobile veterinary services throughout the region. The Southampton Animal Shelter is a true community shelter.
eir Ninth Annual Unconditional Love Gala on Saturday, July 21st with cocktails at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm. Guests of the Gala experienced an exciting evening at a beautiful waterfront estate in Southampton. The Chris Norton Band provided music for the night with dinner catered by Robbins Wolf Eventeurs. A live auction will featured fabulous items that include packages for five-star European hotels, group golf outings at the East Ends most prestigious golf courses, and more.
Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing for the welfare of homeless pets in our community. The SASF’s mission is to provide for the welfare of animals and to reduce the number of homeless pets. They promote and nourish the bond between people and animals through adoption, education and community outreach. The no-kill shelter is nationally recognized and has an adoption rate of 96%. In 2017, SASF adopted out 867 pets into forever homes and reunited 338 stray animals with their original owners. All staff and volunteers adhere to the policy where “no animal is left behind.” To learn more, please visit their website www.southamptonanimalshelter.com