The annual To the Rescue! gala, benefiting Humane World for Animals and its mission to protect animals, will be held on November 7, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The evening will be hosted by actress, author, producer and devoted rabbit enthusiast Amy Sedaris, along with a cocktail reception, a gourmet plant-based dinner curated by acclaimed vegan chef Leslie Durso, special guests include actor, writer and host of “Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch” Rachel Dratch, live entertainment by singer-songwriter, actress, and record producer, Chloe Bailey, and a charity auction.
“I’m delighted to be back for one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Sedaris. “Supporting our furry friends and raising funds to ensure animals everywhere get the love and care they deserve is a cause very close to my heart.”
This year’s gala will focus on the organization's global rescue and response efforts. The National Sheriffs’ Association will be honored for their diligent work and partnership in the campaign to end illegal animal cruelty and enhance awareness in the law enforcement space, encouraging cross-organization collaboration and communication. The NSA established the Animal Cruelty and Abuse Committee, the first-ever national law enforcement association committee dedicated to animal protection.
Additionally, the NSA's advocacy played a crucial role in convincing the FBI to include animal cruelty in its National Incident-Based Reporting System, a database used to collect crime statistics.
“Our To the Rescue! gala is a powerful celebration of compassion, progress and the unwavering commitment to protecting animals in need,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “Each year, this event brings together a community of advocates, partners and supporters whose generosity makes our lifesaving work for animals possible. We’re so grateful and honored to stand alongside them in the fight for a more humane world.”
The signature gala is supported by sponsors including Moroccanoil, Liberty Mutual, TJX, FlyteVu, MissionWired, Avalon Consulting, Fluff & Boots, Freshpet, RWT Production, AnswerNet, EdgeMark Partners, Printcinch, Lockton and CSAA Insurance Group. The after-party is sponsored by Stray Dog.
Georgina Bloomberg and Suzy Welch serve as gala chairs. The leadership committee includes Susan Atherton, Wendy and Howard Berk, Yolanda Berkowitz, Liz Dee, Leslie Durso, Adriana Echavarria, Caren Fleit, Kimberly Handler, Gretchen Jelinek, Cathy Kangas, Jennifer and Chuck Laue, Courtney Stroum Meagher, Terry Rakolta, Jessica Rivera, Tessa Benson Tooley and Nathan Turner.
For tickets, visit https://give.humaneworld.org/event/to-the-rescue-new-york-2025/e685731.
