Stars flocked to a lavish red carpet rolled out onto the sidewalk on 42nd Street Friday night in a show of support for the Humane Society of the United States. The chic space at Cipriani-42nd Street would host the nonprofit organization’s annual “To the Rescue!,” a gala and fundraiser that would bring out some of Manhattan’s staunchest supporters of animal rights. But these celebrities weren’t alone as many of them had their furry four-legged pals on hand, posing for the flashes of paparazzi bulbs in the arms of their owners.

The 5th annual affair would utilize the proceeds from “To the Rescue!” to support the placement and care for animals in need resulting from situations of neglect or disaster. This year’s event would also showcase a cocktail hour and fittingly, a fully vegan dinner for guests in attendance aside from the entertainment and awards presentation where acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky would be honored for his film “Noah,” where he declined the use of live animals out of fear for their well being.

The remainder of the guest list included local luminaries like event co-chairs Amanda Hearst, Georgina Bloomberg and Kimberly Ovitz, fashionista Arianna Rockefeller, actors Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy) and Nick Loeb, The Late Show with David Letterman sidekick Paul Shaffer, Real Housewife of New Jersey Dina Manzo, Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen, internet sensation The Fat Jewish and owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, Dylan Lauren. And although they didn’t walk on the red carpet rock musician Patti Smith, actor Chevy Chase and the evening’s emcee Ali Wentworth brought an extra touch of star power to an event already rife with big names. Spirits were especially high heading into Cipriani- as they should have been, considering the ticket price to attend Friday night’s event started at a whopping $1,250.

- Dave Gendelson