Philanthropists Martin and Jean Shafiroff hosted a cocktail soiree for over 100 guests themed, BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES, that toasted The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at their Park Avenue home.
Jean Shafiroff greeted guests including Geoffrey Bradfield, Rachel Atcheson, Community Liaison Officer – Animal Welfare, Office of the Mayor of New York City, Erik Bottcher and JD Thompson, Craig Dix, Irene Michaels, and designers Zang Toi and Victor de Souza, who all donned blue attire to support the events theme and match Jean who was dressed in a vinyl blue two-piece outfit by Courrèges before changing into a gown designed by Caroline Elenowitz. All guests enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres catered by Cornelia Guest.
Midway through the event, SASF Honorary Board Member Jean Shafiroff, SASF Board President Clifton Knight and SASF Executive Director Jerry Rosenthal thanked guests for attending, and for their continued commitment to the Shelter. Knight thanked Martin and Jean Shafiroff, stating, “Jean has been like a Joan of Arc for our Shelter. Without her support we would not be operating.” He then said that, “as a result of the training work, we are able to do our adoption rate is up to 98%. This is unsurpassed by any shelter on the East End. We take in all animals, no matter the condition – all the orphans and all the tough cases, and our adoption rate is through the roof.” Shafiroff has chaired the shelter’s annual summer Unconditional Love Gala the past five years and has raised over $4-million for the Foundation. Jean Shafiroff is on the Honorary Board and was the Honoree of the 2017 Unconditional Love Gala. “Everything in philanthropy is a group effort,” said Jean. “Nothing happens in a vacuum. We all work together and without collective support, volunteers, love, and adoptions, the success of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation wouldn’t be possible.
Mitch Modell, CEO, Modell’s Sporting Good then started a surprise live auction on a priceless package for two people to travel with the Brooklyn Nets on the team plane, stay at the team hotel and then return to New York with the team after having watched the game from premium seating. The winner was Ray Bouderau who bid $10,000 for the experience, which will be donated to the Shelter. The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s Ninth Annual Unconditional Love Gala will be held on July 21st, 2018. For more information, please visit the Foundations website at www.southamptonanimalshelter.com.
Additional supporters included, Flo Anthony, Edgar Batista, Ray Boderau, Nina Burleigh, Darold Cuba, Craig Dix, Scott Elkins, Joseph Fichera, Renee Schlather, Montgomery Frazier, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Larry Kaiser, Roy Kean, Steven Knoble, Robert Lohman, Jennifer Miller, Nicole Noonan, Barbara and Ken Poliwoda, Ann Rapp, Matt Rich, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Jerry Rosenthal, Natalie Ross,Randi Schatz, Patricia Shiah, and Felicia Taylor.
Jean Shafiroff
Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, activist, humanitarian, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, is at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women’s rights and well-being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes.
Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board, Southampton Bath & Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation, and Global Strays, and is an Ambassador for the American Humane Society. She also chairs numerous galas and hosts events benefiting many not-for-profit organizations including the Southampton Hospital, New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Jean is often a guest speaker on TV and radio shows throughout the country. The subjects she speaks about include philanthropy, human rights, fashion and animal welfare. Jean has been honored by several organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Youth Counseling League, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Surgeons of Hope, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation.
Jean holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has worked both in public finance and private partnerships on Wall Street. Prior to that, she was a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. Jean is married to Martin Shafiroff, an investment advisor, and together they have two daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth, who share their mother’s interest in charitable causes. Jean and her family reside in both New York City and Southampton, NY.
The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation
The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care to for the homeless animals in our community and place them in loving “forever homes.” The number of animals in need of their help is growing every day. The overpopulation of pets on Long Island is a major issue and sadly, more animals are ending up homeless. Whether caring for strays found wandering the streets, rescuing neglected and abandoned animals, or saving dogs from the horrors of the puppy mill industry, the shelter is a safe haven for all animals and for some, a last resort. Without SASF, these animals would not be able to survive. The shelter provides a stepping-stone for animals to find a loving home. It offers them housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation when necessary.
