Concert for a Cause, Fat Joe & Alexa Ray Joel to Benefit Second Chance Rescue

Photo Credi: PMC / Sean Zann

NYC Second Chance Rescue hosted an elevated evening in East Hampton to raise money to support and save the lives of animals around New York. The star-studded soiree was a testament to the love and passion the Hamptons community has for their furry friends and was highlighted by heartfelt words by Alexa Ray Joel and an exclusive private performance by the iconic Fat Joe.

#BecauseTheyMatter speaks volumes about the work they do at NYC Second Chance Rescue. They have saved over 15,000 lives of large breed dogs and cats in need of critical life-saving care. I can’t speak highly enough for the work they do, especially with a soft spot for “pit bulls, seniors, and hospice patients.” That matters, big time.

Here is a pro tip for attending galas in the Hamptons: go to a party involving dogs. Everybody is in good spirits and on their best behavior when their dogs are watching.

The keynote speaker, Alexa Ray Joel, blew me away when she spoke about her cat, Duchess Gypsy-Stella. Now, here I will let my bias show: what an inspirational display of feline representation. It is courageous to speak so eloquently about the unique bond a cat and a person share, the pro-dog lobby is very strong, especially in East Hampton. Ms. Joel spoke from the heart, with affection that only a cat owner can show.

The event was hosted by the Lawlor Media Group, and they are no stranger to luxurious events in the Hamptons and NYC. Their team put together such a special night, bringing together the best bubbles and bites, professional photography, amazing art, and of course, a glitzy guest list.

Notable Attendees included: Alexa Ray Joel, Fat Joe, Alexandra Daddario, Andrew Form, Jennifer Brooks, Lisa Blanco, Lisa Rose, Kate McEntee, Jennifer Parker, Eddie Shapiro, Brett Icahn, Brandon Colón, Erin Christoff, Elizabeth Bowden, Jean Shafiroff, James Marzigliano, Kingsley Crawford, Julia Haart, Jeffrey and Allie Stedman. 

Hamptons people are dog people, and also New Yorkers, so it was obviously a no-brainer for hip-hop icon Fat Joe/Joey Guapo (Joseph Antonio Cartagena) to perform. He’s still not a player, but he will always be a dog lover and NY blueblood.

It’s 2024, we’re not body shaming, and Mr. Joe has lost a considerable amount of weight. So, we’ll call him Joey Guapo, with respect. High energy and totally dripped out in a khaki suit with the matching bucket hat. He played all the hits, and everybody knew the lyrics. Boricua, morena…Boriqua, morena…

There were some great (of course, well-behaved) Hamptons pups on the guestlist. People are proud of their pets, and a good dog is the ultimate accessory for the Hamptons. A highlight was meeting Leah (pronounced like the Princess from Alderaan) and her person, Sherrie. Both glamorous. Leah didn’t pay me much attention, though, I knew I should have brought some cookies! 

If you haven’t been to the new Common Grounds location in East Hampton, the iconic club has kept the beat going since moving from Montauk. Not everybody got a chance to attend the exclusive party and event, and even in the rain, the club had a wraparound line to get in after Joey Guapo performed. Impressive.

Please visit their website to donate to their extremely important work. 

#BecauseTheyMatter