Get Wild In The Hamptons: Beth & Howard Stern Save The Animals (Again)

“When Chuck calls, you usually listen,” Jane Hansen told the crowd, as she filled in for Chuck Scarborough at the Get Wild benefit for the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, held at his Southampton estate. As usual, Ellen and Chuck Scarborough had opened their doors to benefit animals in the Hamptons but this time, the golden couple was missing. Chuck was ill and they were both grieving having recently lost their rescue cat and dog within a week of each other. Also absent, Howard Lorber, an honoree along with along with Sharon Kerr and Kim Renk Dryer, he was undergoing a scheduled surgery. The Sharon and Kim were very present and happy to share their love of animals with friends old and new.

“America’s Got Talent” judge Howard Stern and animal activist wife Beth Stern popped by to support the cause and nuzzle a few furry friends. “I just love the show!” he remarked, “There’s just so much talent out there. It’s really great.”

In the mix enjoying ginger-infused Xante cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, part of the “Hamptons Swedish Culinary Summer” created by marketing consultant Andrew Reice, was Cornelia Guest who dropped by before hosting a dinner party for 30 at her nearby home. Michael and Marcy Warner, who will host next week’s “Martini’s For Mutts” fundraiser for Last Chance Animal Rescue, dropped by early and were rushing to a benefit up Meadow Lane for Phoenix House as we were arriving. Jewel Morris, of PetFest and Pet Philanthropy Circle, happily chatted about her upcoming event honoring Christie Brinkley. Also spotted with a cocktail were Greg D’Elia, Caroline Lieberman, and Sarah Herbert Galloway.

Also on display: Sequin jewelry, the company owned by animal philanthropists, sisters Kim and Linda Renk. They donated their chic bangles sold at Saks for the goodie bags and a Badgley Mischka ornate coral necklace for the silent auction. “We contribute to almost any animal cause you can think of,” Kim told us. “Any place we have a store we try to give back to the community.” That includes the Southampton Animal Shelter here, thanks to their Jobs Lane store, the Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach, where their stores on are Worth Ave and South County Rd. and in Newport, where they run their own Rabbit Sanctuary. Sequin also has locations in Naples, FL, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and Delray Beach, FL.

It all began with bunny love. “I’ve been obsessed with rabbits since I can remember thinking,” Kim said. “I take the bunnies that have been too abused to be re-homed to our sanctuary. Once they’re in that environment — colonies and barns with giant outdoor and indoor runs — they change their personalities and become trusting and wonderful.” You can also find bunnies in Sequin’s New York showroom.

Sequin hosts a party at their Job’s Lane store this weekend to benefit the Southampton Hospital, and again, later this summer, for the Wildlife Rescue Center.

Realtor Sharon Kerr became a supporter when they took care of the swan she found tangled in wire. More recently, she watched them save a small Osprey. Echoing prevailing sentiments she said she looked forward to “many future rescues.”

The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center is a full-time professional wildlife hospital staffed by licensed rehabilitators, biologists, animal behaviorists and volunteers, on Munns Pond Park in Hampton Bays. Most wildlife injuries come from man’s encroachment on their natural habitat and this is caring locals’ way of making amends.

With additional reporting by Nicole B. Brewer