The cocktail reception was a star-studded affair, as the evening's hosts, Susan Lucci and Dave Price, rubbed elbows with Robin Strasser, Eileen Fulton, Linda Dano, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Morley Safer, Tina Louise, and Celeste Holm-to name just a few of the compassionate celebs that showed their support for "The Love of Pets."

Gala Chairs Tara Allmen, a Bideawee Board Member, and her husband, Larry Kimmel, welcomed everyone. The Allmen Foundation, founded in memory of Tara's mother, was the presenting sponsor of the Ball. Hosts Susan Lucci and Dave Price then took the stage and entertained throughout the evening, exchanging witty banter and touching stories about the pets in their lives. Their first order of business was to introduce the Bideawee video, which was a moving and heart-warming presentation of the exceptional work we do for animals in need of a second start.

Two of the animals featured in the video, Miracle, a sweet pit bull and tragic victim of a hit-and-run, and Mooch, a FIV-positive cat, took the stage and were greeted by a huge round of applause.

Caroline Kennedy, whose family has been bringing their pets to Dr. Lewis Berman for decades, introduced him as the evening's first honoree. He was then treated to a tribute video where long-time clients and fans, including Robin Byrd, Lisa Falcone, and Ricky Lauren shared their thoughts on his excellence as a veterinarian and friend. Dr. Berman was honored for his lifelong dedication to the welfare of animals and for his service on the Bideawee Board of Directors from 1992-2008. He thanked Bideawee for reminding him that he made the right decision when he chose to devote his life to animals.

Award-winning actress Maeve Quinlan introduced her dear friend and Bideawee Ball honoree, Kathy Freston. Kathy was honored as an advocate for animals, believing they should be treated with respect and dignity. In her acceptance speech, Kathy recounted how a dog, "Beans," who at the time she thought she was saving, actually ended up saving her, both emotionally and spiritually.

Frances Sternhagen introduced the final human honoree, Catherine Stillman. Mrs. Stillman has been a major supporter of Bideawee for over 12 years and has demonstrated her love and commitment to animals through her support of the medical care of animals in Westhampton. Unable to attend herself, her award was accepted by dear friend and Bideawee Board Member Emerita Buffy Cooke.

Bideawee being Bideawee, humans were not the only honorees! Lauded as "Bideawee Heroes," Toby, a sweet pup with a tragic story was given an award, as were Meiji and Dutchess, two cats who have raised awareness of the vital role pets play in our lives as well as the amazing therapy and healing they can provide. Linda Dano presented Toby's award and Daphne Rubin Vega introduced Meiji (according to her owner, Dutchess had another event to attend).

After dinner, party people and their party pets hit the dance floor, boogying the night away to the swinging sounds of the Alex Donner orchestra.

All in all, a fabulous time was had by all. Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent and live auction sales support Bideawee's mission of rescuing animals and providing them with the medical care and training "makeover" needed to find them forever homes.

Email Page

Print Page