NEW YORK CITY—The annual To the Rescue! gala, benefiting Humane World for Animals and its mission to protect animals, will be held on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, in New York City. Hosted by award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris, the evening will feature a special performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, whose acclaimed career includes the global hit "A Thousand Miles," and an appearance by actress, author, producer and devoted rabbit enthusiast Amy Sedaris.
“I’m honored to host Humane World for Animals’ gala and to stand alongside so many people who are committed to creating a kinder world for animals. Animals bring so much joy, comfort and unconditional love into our lives, and they deserve our compassion in return. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made, recognize those leading the way, and inspire even more people to speak up and take action for animals,” said Harris.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and an innovative plant-based dining experience from Overthrow Hospitality, the James Beard Award-nominated, Michelin-recognized restaurant group at the forefront of modern plant-based cuisine. Executive Chef Amira Gharib and Sous Chef Haley Duren will create a menu that highlights the creativity, craftsmanship and hospitality behind Overthrow's acclaimed restaurants.
Proceeds from the live auction will support Humane World for Animals' global efforts to protect animals and bring about lasting change. This year's gala will also celebrate the organization's leadership in advancing the transition from animal testing to innovative, human-relevant methods that improve science while sparing animals from suffering.
Emulate will receive the Corporate Conscience Award for its pioneering work creating human-centric models of biology and accelerating their adoption across biomedical research and drug development. As the creator of groundbreaking Organ-on-a-Chip technology, Emulate enables researchers to more faithfully replicate human biology and generate insights that can translate more directly to patients—while reducing reliance on animal testing. The company has also played a leading role in advancing scientific validation and regulatory acceptance of human-relevant methods and supporting policy reforms that are helping transform biomedical research.
Humane World for Animals has helped drive many of the most significant advances in replacing animal testing with modern, human-relevant approaches. Through advocacy, litigation, scientific collaboration and public policy efforts, the organization has helped secure landmark reforms at the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and National Institutes of Health, end invasive chimpanzee research in the United States, expand acceptance of non-animal testing methods and accelerate the transition toward more humane, effective science.
Georgina Bloomberg, Caren Fleit and Suzy Welch serve as gala co-chairs. The leadership committee includes Yolanda Berkowitz, Liz Dee, Leslie Durso, Adriana Echavarria Eisenhower, Cathy Kangas, Jennifer and Chuck Laue, Courtney Stroum Meagher, Terry Rakolta, Jessica Rivera and Rachel Ruggeri.
The signature gala is supported by sponsors including; Stray Dog, TJX, Moroccanoil, Liberty Mutual Insurance, FlyteVu, Moore, MissionWired, Avalon Consulting, Lockton, RWT Production LLC, Safeguard Global, Threshold Giving, Dime Commercial Bank and printcinch.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at: https://give.humaneworld.org/event/to-the-rescue-new-york-2026/e792613
