Animal Shelter Success Stories To Be Fêted During Annual Hamptons “Unconditional Love Gala”

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) will pay tribute to shelter pets during SASF’s Ninth Annual Unconditional Love Gala on Saturday, July 21.

Lovable four-legged friends like Marley, who is the first shelter dog in New York State to be accepted into the K9s for Warriors program, will serve as the event honoree’s. Marley was rescued and trained by SASF.

Mark and Marianne Epley, and Greg D’Elia. (Photo: Lisa Tamburini/www.hamptonsphotog.com)

“The evening is a celebration of what the Shelter has accomplished this past year, the animals saved, the successful placements of shelter pets in wonderful forever homes, new programs like the Shelter’s humane education programs and new opportunities for shelter dogs,” reflected Katie McEntee, SASF Director of Adoptions, who is also an Unconditional Love Gala Junior Chairman. “Marley is now a service dogs for veteran with PTSD.”

This year’s soiree will take place at a stunning waterfront estate in Southampton – with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner, catered by Robbins Wolf Eventeurs, at 7:30 p.m. Greg D’Elia will serve at Gala Chairman and Jean Shafiroff will serve as Honorary Chairman.

Beth Stern at a previous Unconditional Love Gala. (Courtesy Photo)

“All of us at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation are flattered and thrilled that Greg will be Chairman of this year’s Unconditional Love Gala,” said Clifton Knight, Board Of Directors Co-President. “This is a hugely important celebration for the Shelter, and Greg and his family have been dedicated supporters since the Shelters inception. Greg is highly respected, and widely followed, and his sense of history and perspective on events and community goings-on put him in a unique position in setting the vision for our 2018 Unconditional Love Gala. With Greg taking the lead, it’s surely going to be a very beautiful, elegant, much fun, and very special evening for all.”

Attendees will enjoy live music from the Chris Norton Band, as well as an exception live auction with spectacular packages that feature five-star European hotels, group golf outings at the East Ends most prestigious golf courses, and more.

Jean Shafiroff and Chuck Scarborough. (Photo: Lisa Tamburini/www.hamptonsphotog.com)

Unconditional Love Gala Junior Chairs include Merritt Piro, Elizabeth Shafiroff, Kelly Deneny, McEntee, Charles McConnell Jenny Dwork, Marissa Epley, while the Junior Committee encompasses Scott Stevenson, Karen Duncan, Kingsley Crawford, Sarah Alvarez, Anthony Bowles, Lily Baker, Sarah Vacchiano, Jessica Mackin, Nicole Teitler, Isabelle Mercier-Dalphond, Christine Prydatko, Pamela Suskind, Julie Sinaw, James Marzigliano and Haley Willis.

Following Unconditional Love, those that purchase a Junior Ticket are invited to join the Junior Committee at Southampton Social Club for the Junior’s after party.

A young Unconditional Love Gala attendee makes friends with a SASFan. (Courtesy Photo)

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation provides refuge for animals from all seven villages and 16 hamlets in the Township of Southampton – regardless of age, or if the animal has a physical or behavioral condition, special needs, or medical condition. SASF also rescues animals from the surrounding towns. In addition to saving these animals in need, the Foundation also offers low-cost, mobile veterinary services throughout the East End, educational classes on humane animal care in local schools, medical services and behavior and training program, and more. SASF’s adoption rate is an astounding 96 percent. Proceeds from the Gala will support the Southampton Animal Shelter and the services it offers.

Tickets start at $500, and $300 for a Junior Dinner Ticket (35 and Under). Junior Drinks and Dancing Ticket’s are $135.

For more information, visit southamptonanimalshelter.com.