Since 1999, the Long Island Bulldog Rescue has been the greater New York area’s foremost advocate for the healing and safety of English Bulldogs. Founder Laurette Richin founded the nonprofit recognizing that with an exploding population- many of the bulldogs are bred at puppy mills- and given the additional time and resources required to appropriately care for these dogs, it was necessary for a foundation to be put in place to educate adopting parents, prevent abuse and neglect, and work to ensure that the animals and their owners are an ideal fit, among a plethora of other services. With some high profile celebrity friends, the group called upon many of its supporters to gather at NYU’s Rosenthal Pavilion in the West Village for its annual fundraiser gathering which would feature an exclusive VIP lounge, open bar, passed around hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and the opportunity to hob nob with some familiar faces.

As a follow up to 2012′s ‘Cocktails For The Paws,’ held at the chic Midtown Loft and Terrace, this year’s event would be held on the Pavilion’s tenth floor, providing breathtaking views of Washington Square Park as the backdrop for the evening, entitled ‘Beth Stern Benefit For The Bulldogs.’ Hosted by former model Beth Stern, the current animal activist and wife of radio icon Howard Stern is among the most notable dog lovers on the planet and hundreds of likeminded guests would follow her lead on this night. Stern made her first appearance on the red carpet shortly after the evening’s 7pm start time, amid a sea of flashing camera bulbs. Posing for pictures with different bulldogs, the stunning Stern was absolutely dazzling with an ear to ear smile highlighted by her bright red lipstick. Other guests would include Miss New York Amanda Mason and husband and wife couple Ice-T and CoCo, who brought their very own two bulldogs to the event and graciously took turns posing for pictures with a line of different attendees.

An array of different dog inspired vendors lined the outside of the room- from healthy dog food and treats to bulldog inspired shirts and jewelry- while the collection of silent auction items offered some truly priceless items and experiences. The list included sports memorabilia signed by the likes of Muhammad Ali and Tommy Lasorda, Yankees-Red Sox tickets, trip experiences and a whopping $15,000 opening bid for two tickets to the SiriusXM sponsored ‘Howard Stern Birthday Bash,’ held on January 31st from the Hammerstein Ballroom, and hosted by funnyman Jimmy Kimmel. Moreover, large bulldog paintings and statues were on display around the space courtesy of artist talented Chris Collins and to complete the overall atmosphere- the ‘Prince of All Rescue Media’ Baby Howard could be seen rolling along on his skateboard in between imbibing guests.

Whether acquiring surrendered bulldogs or providing daily care for injured dogs, the Long Island Bulldog Rescue’s operational needs are costly. Fortunately with the help of so many philanthropic guests the organization’s now annual benefit effectively utilizes star power to garner some much needed attention for their cause and as such, is able to host successful events of this ilk year after year. Simply because the event has concluded doesn’t mean the giving has to cease though- to make a donation or to learn more about the folks at the LIBR, take some time and check out longislandbulldogrescue.org. And who knows, you might even feel the need to adopt one for yourself.

- Jane Van Arsdale