Photo Credits: Society Allure / Rob Rich / Lisa Tamburini
The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) celebrated their honorees Cathy Bissell and Dave Portnoy, with his rescue pup Miss Peaches at the foundation’s 15th Annual Unconditional Love Gala on July 20th, 2024.The Gala delivered an evening of glamor and giving, featuring live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, and a silent auction. Funds raised from the gala directly support the shelter’s efforts to provide medical care, food, shelter, and love to animals in need.
The gala, serving as the premiere fundraising event for the Foundation, plays a vital role in raising essential funds to support SASF’s mission to nurture the bond between humans and companion animals through education, advocacy and adoption.
“We were honored to recognize Cathy Bissell for her lifelong commitment to animal welfare,” said Jordan Lippner, Chair of the Board of Directors at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Cathy created BISSELL Pet Foundation in 2011 which has impacted the lives of nearly 750,000 pets and directed over $30 million to shelters and programs to support animal welfare and provide resources to underserved communities.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “This recognition reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts in advocating for animal welfare and is a testament to the lives we have saved. Together, we can continue our critical work to find every pet a loving home.” said Cathy Bissell, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Dave Portnoy, along with his beloved rescue pup Miss Peaches, were honored with the prestigious Animal Welfare Award and SASF Paws of Purpose Award, respectively. “Miss Peaches and I are excited to be a part of this awesome event. Our goal is to find as many loving homes for dogs as sweet as Miss Peaches,” said Dave Portnoy, recipient of the Animal Welfare Award.
The gala, serving as the premiere fundraising event for the Foundation, plays a vital role in raising essential funds to support SASF’s mission to nurture the bond between humans and companion animals through education, advocacy and adoption.
Notable attendees included: Cathy Bissell, Dave Portnoy, Miss Peaches, Jordan Lippner, Brooke Shields, Grier Henchy, Jill Rappaport, Alan Brown, Luisa Diaz, Ramona Singer, Bo Dietl, Bradford Rand, and Jean Shafiroff
