The Humane Society Of The United States Event at Cipriani Raised Over $1 Million

Jimi Celeste/PatrickMcMullan.com

The night of October 5 was an important one for animals and animal lovers everywhere. Cipriani, the famous New York based restaurant, provided the venue for the Humane Society Of The United States To the Rescue! From Cruelty to Kindness gala, which ended up raising approximately $1 million in the name of animals. The HSUS Animal Rescue Team was honored with this money for all the hard animal rescue work they’ve done. Plenty of high-profile names were in attendance that evening along with host Will Estes and co-chairs Amanda Hearst, Georgina Bloomberg and Annie Churchill from the Friends of the Finn Committee.

Jimi Celeste/PatrickMcMullan.com

Both Jill Rappaport from NBC and Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker were honored at this special event for their outspoken dedication to the protection of animals.  Rappaport was given the Voice for the Animals award while Mayor Booker was presented with the Humane Public Servant award. Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of the Humane Society of the United States, has voiced his praise for these two socially conscious individuals.

Some of the fun festivities of the evening included a silent auction with pieces by Judith Ripka, a performance by singer Tai Burnette and opportunities to sponsor lifesaving endeavors of the HSUS Animal Rescue Team.  A three-course gourmet vegan dinner was created and prepared by celebrity Chef Tal Ronnen and Cipriani and enjoyed by all of the attendees. Other notable guests included Joan Lunden, Lorenzo Borghese and Jessica Perez.

Carly Otness/BFAnyc.com

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