On a balmy July 20th, the Hamptons played host to an evening of unparalleled elegance and philanthropy at the 15th Annual Unconditional Love Gala, celebrating the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s honorees, Cathy Bissell and Dave Portnoy, alongside his rescue pup, Miss Peaches.
The soirée unfolded with a blend of sophistication and heartfelt cause, featuring live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, and an enticing silent auction. The funds raised from this glamorous event directly bolster the shelter’s mission to provide medical care, nourishment, shelter, but most important - love to animals in need.
As the premier fundraising event for the Foundation, the gala is pivotal in raising crucial funds to support SASF’s commitment to nurturing the bond between humans and their companion animals through education, advocacy, and adoption.
A beacon of hope for countless homeless animals, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that thrives on the generosity of its donors and volunteers. The growing issue of pet overpopulation on Long Island has left many animals homeless, wandering the streets, or enduring neglect and abandonment. Whether it’s rescuing strays, saving dogs from the horrors of puppy mills, or providing sanctuary to neglected animals, the shelter stands as a haven, often the last resort for these creatures. SASF offers these animals a steppingstone to loving homes, providing housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation when necessary.
This year’s gala spotlighted two remarkable honorees. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Dave Portnoy, alongside his beloved rescue pup, Miss Peaches, received the prestigious Animal Welfare Award and SASF Paws of Purpose Award, respectively. “Miss Peaches and I are thrilled to be part of this incredible event. Our goal is to find as many loving homes for dogs as sweet as Miss Peaches,” shared Dave Portnoy, with palpable passion and dedication.
Cathy Bissell, with 13 years of unwavering commitment to animal welfare as the founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, was an exemplary co-honoree. Cathy’s hands-on approach and visionary leadership have propelled the foundation’s mission, developing 13 programs that support a network of over 6,000 shelters across all 50 states, impacting nearly 750,000 pets since 2011. “We were honored to recognize Cathy Bissell for her lifelong dedication to animal welfare,” said Jordan Lippner, Chair of the Board of Directors at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Since its inception in 2011, the BISSELL Pet Foundation has directed over $30 million to shelters and programs, providing essential resources to underserved communities.
Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, Cathy Bissell expressed profound gratitude, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. This award reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts in advocating for animal welfare and is a testament to the lives we have saved. Together, we can continue our critical work to find every pet a loving home.”
In the heart of the Hamptons, the Unconditional Love Gala not only celebrated the glamour and generosity of its guests but also shone a light on the tireless efforts of those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals. Through the support of such extraordinary individuals and the community, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope and love for animals in need.
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