We may be a bit partial to events hosted by the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) mostly because of the two adorable little Pomeranians my daughter adopted years ago. However, this organization is a worthwhile cause whether or not you have brought one of their dogs or cats into your home over the years. On Saturday, August 20th ARF will host theBow WowMeow Ball, to honor filmmaker Katharina Otto-Bernstein (Director, Absolute Wilson; Producer, HBO’s Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures) for her unwavering commitment to the ARF and animal welfare. Katharina has long been a supporter of ARF as an adopter and supporter of its benefit events, but perhaps her greatest gift to ARF has been the gift of food to the ARF animals through an annual donation to underwrite the cost of food for the cats and dogs at the ARF Adoption Center while they await their forever homes. Theater director and visual artist Robert Wilson will present the ARF Champion of Animals Award to Katharina Otto-Bernstein. The evening’s celebration of ARF’s life-saving work will take place on ARF’s 22-acre campus in Wainscott. Guests will enjoy cocktails, followed by dinner catered by Glorious Food within an elegant setting created by David Monnand Alex Papachristidis. Afterwards, the party will continue with dancing to music by the Peter Duchin Orchestra. Over 400 high-profile guests from New York and the Hamptons are expected to attend the magical night. All proceeds will benefit ARF, a regional leader in New York for the rescue and adoption of cats and dogs.
The animals in ARF’s care come from animal control centers, puppy mill rescue efforts, and from people who can no longer care for their pets. According to Jamie Berger, ARF’s Director of Communications, in 2016, ARF will intake over 1,600 dogs and cats at its state-of-the-art Adoption Center. ARF provides full medical care, including spaying and neutering, to all its animals in addition to humane care for their basic needs. Once medically evaluated and socialized the dogs and cats are made available for adoption at its Adoption Center and through its mobile adoption van and offsite events held across the greater New York region. Since its inception, ARF has rescued more than 22,000 cats and dogs and placed them with loving families. The evening will also include a live auction with Auctioneer Benjamin Doller, a Vice Chairman of Sotheby’s, a silent auction and an online auction with charitybuzz.com. Experiences and packages include lunch for four with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi; golf at the exclusive Maidstone Golf Club; VIP tickets to a Dr. Oz taping; and New York Knicks Game Experience which includes two tickets, gift bags, and meet and greet with Knicks Legends and a viewing of the “closed to the public” pre-game warm up on the court. Bidders will have the chance to make offers online from August 3 – August 24 by visiting www.charitybuzz.com/support/arfhamptons. For tickets or information visit www.arfhamptons.org/events/bow-wow-meow-ball Or contact Jean Schiavoni 631-537-0400 ext. 219 jean@arfhamptons.org To learn more about ARF or look at their website at the dogs or cats available visit: www.arfhamptons.org
