NEW YORK CITY—Celebrities, influencers and animal lovers gathered in New York City at the annual To the Rescue! gala, benefiting Humane World for Animals, formally called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Held on November 7, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street, the annual fete raised more than $2.2 million to support the organization’s work to protect animals around the world.
The evening, hosted by actress, author, producer and rabbit enthusiast Amy Sedaris, also featured a cocktail reception, a charity gala, a gourmet plant-based dinner curated by acclaimed vegan chef Leslie Durso, special guests Rachel Dratch, actor, writer and host of “Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch” and, Chloe Bailey, singer-songwriter, actress and record producer—who performed at the gala.
“There’s something truly special about a night dedicated to helping animals,” said Sedaris. “I’m thrilled to be part of the To the Rescue! gala again, lifting up the incredible efforts of Humane World for Animals. Every animal deserves a safe, happy life, and the generosity we’re seeing tonight helps ensure that future.”
Gala co-chair Suzy Welch, whose substantial matching gift propelled the evening’s success, reflected on the night’s show of generosity:
"In a lifetime of advocating for animals, I’ve learned that in a world where people disagree on almost everything, there’s one thing that unites us: the belief that hurting animals is wrong. My hope tonight was that my gift would inspire even more of that compassion—and it did, so beautifully. Together, we raised over a million dollars in minutes during the paddle raise, on top of more than four million already pledged by the generous people filling the room. The outpouring tonight gives powerful momentum to our $30 million Together to End Animal Cruelty campaign. I’m so proud of what we’ve done—and even more hopeful for what comes next as we turn our shared love for animals into action."
Amir Arison, actor, director and dog dad, presented the National Sheriffs’ Association with the Impact Award for its efforts to promote a broader understanding of animal protection concerns in the law enforcement sector, and its commitment to encouraging cross-organizational collaboration and communication in support of efforts to challenge and end illegal animal cruelty. The NSA played a crucial role in convincing the FBI to include animal cruelty in its National Incident-Based Reporting System, a tracking database used to collect crime statistics. For more than a decade now, researchers, policy makers and advocates have used the database to analyze and increase awareness of the complex relationship between cruelty to animals and other crimes, and to develop effective interventions to protect animals, people and communities. In 2018, the NSA established its Animal Cruelty and Abuse Committee, the first-ever national law enforcement association committee, to guide and support the efforts of sheriffs and other law enforcement officials to address animal cruelty issues effectively in their communities.
Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals said of the evening:
“Caring about animals is so powerful, and that's exactly what tonight represented. I am grateful to our incredible hosts, generous sponsors and passionate supporters who inspire progress for animals all across the globe. Your dedication fuels our mission to tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering. The funds raised tonight will directly support our work to create the humane world at the center of our vision.”
Supporters in the room included Orfeh, Broadway actress and singer; Jennifer Coffey, TV host; Sandra Lanshin Chiu, influencer; and Candice Kumai, author, chef and journalist.
The To the Rescue! gala is made possible by generous support from 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 was sponsored by Stray Dog Capital.
Georgina Bloomberg and Suzy Welch served as gala chairs. The leadership committee included 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.
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