New York, NY - November 17, 2016 - North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, will hold its annual Celebrity Gala on Friday, November 18th at 7:00 pm at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. A stellar line up of attendees from all sectors of New York’s animal-loving community are expected.
Actress/comedienne Pam Stone will host the evening which will be highlighted by Bill Abbott, President & CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, Hallmark Channel honored with the Crystal Collar Award™. Three NY Metro area Mutt-i-grees Curriculum® Classroom Canines will also be honored. Musical guest and renowned animal activist Belinda Carlisle will complete the memorable evening with a musical performance.
Among the “bold face names” to stride our red carpet, in addition to Beth and Howard Stern are, The Today Show Host Matt Lauer, “Orange is the New Black” actor, Peter Rini, Stage and Movie Actress & Playwright Mara Wilson; Comedienne, playwright and former Animal League America Gala Host, Lisa Lampanelli, WNBC-TV Weather Anchors Janice Huff and Chris Cimino, WNBC-TV Reporter, Lauren Scala, Hot 97 and ESPN Radio Host, Peter Rosenberg, New York Mets Sideline Reporter, Alexa Rosenberg, New York Yankees play-by-play TV announcer and ESPN radio host Michael Kay; Michael’s wife, broadcast journalist Jodi Applegate; Director, Producer, ABC Channel’s “All My Children” Star, Ricky Goldin; President & CEO, The Hallmark Channel, Bill Abbott; Published Author and TV Personality, Carole Radziwill; WPIX-11 weather anchor Linda Church; Celebrity Chef & Cookbook Author, Katie Lee; TV producer, entertainer and comedian, Brian Balthazar; WPIX-11 Evening News Anchor, Tamsen Fadal; WABC-TV News Reporter, Jim Dolan; Celebrity Chef and New York Times bestselling author, Rocco DiSpirito; iHeart Radio Personality Maria Milito; FOX-5 New York Weather Anchor, Audrey Puente; Co-Founder & CEO of Next Step Realty, Blair Brandt; Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Concordia Summit, Matt Swift; President, Canine Company, Jennifer Hill; Producer, Howard Stern Show, Gary Dell’abate; Chief Meteorologist, Fox 5 New York, Nicolas Gregory, to name a few.
The Gala will support North Shore Animal League America’s ever-expanding no-kill mission with all proceeds from the event dedicated to Bianca’s Furry Friends. This 14,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Feline Adoption & Wellness Center will enable the League to rescue many more animals by adding a second floor to the existing shelter that will host a cage-free, natural living environment for felines. In addition, this expansion to our shelter will open up space on the first floor to enrich the lives of dogs. Overall, this project will enable us to provide the best quality of life for all the animals in our care while they await adoption into permanent homes.