Katie Cleary, Zara Beard, And Dwayne Hill Host Veterinarians International’s “Trunks Of Love”

Nearly 200 guests joined Veterinarians International (VI) at Dopo La Spiaggia in East Hampton for VI’s third annual Trunks of Love gala. Katie Cleary of World Animal News, Zara Beard, and award-winning actor Dwayne Hill served as hosts of the benefit that was fittingly held on Friday, August 11, the day before World Elephant Day.

Dr. William Karesh and host Dwayne Hill. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

“I’m very honored to be hosting tonight. Trunks of Love is a passion of mine,” Cleary told Hamptons.com. “We do a lot of elephant conservation news at World Animal News, which we do breaking news from around the world – elephants, rhinos, tigers, pretty much all animals.”

This year’s Trunks of Love toasted to Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist, conservationist, and humanitarian; Cornelia Guest, actress, spokesperson for animal rights, founder of Artemis Farm Rescue and the creator of a line of cruelty-free handbags; and Penni Ludwig, who has funded two of the organization’s mobile elephant clinics, to provide critical veterinary care in Surin, Thailand.

“We’re so excited for our annual Trunks of Love Gala, Dr. Scarlett Magda, Veterinarians International Founder, told Hamptons.com.

“When Scarlett asked me to host this event, it’s something very near and dear to my heart, literally something that I do every day of my life, so I said yes,” Cleary added. “She’s doing an incredible job, this is an amazing turnout and I’m honored to be giving Jane Goodall an award.”

Asher Jay and Missy Hargraves. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

During the summer soiree, Veterinarians International introduced two new programs: Healthy Pets in Chile and Guatemala, which provides veterinary services to low-income families; and Women, Goats and Peace in Kenya, which offers veterinary care to the goats and donkeys of 265 families that reside in arid, impoverished landscapes.

“We’re now expanding to Kenya where we’re helping goats and donkeys with vet care. In Chile, we are raising funds for a disaster response vehicle where our partner, global alliance for animals and people (gaap), is the national first responders for animals,” Dr. Magda shared. “We still need $25,000 for our emergency response vehicle including food medicines and supplies.”

The evening also featured was a mesmerizing exhibit, Half Remembered Past, by National Geographic Explorer Asher Jay, live birds of prey from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, interactive veterinary exhibits, including a surgical suite from the field, live music from the Dan Bailey Tribe and Ralph Hafmeister, wines and spirits by Palm Bay International, and exceptional cuisine from Dopo La Spiagga’s Chef Maurizio Marfoglia.

For more information, visit vetsinternational.org.