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Francis
Battista, Co-Founder of Best Friends Animal Society,
hosted a cocktail reception honoring Today Show
Correspondent and animal crusader Jill Rappaport.
The event, to benefit Friends of Animal Rescue, was
held at Peter Tunney Gallery on Crosby Street.
Displayed on the walls, was a stunning exhibit of
Robert Dutesco’s photographic series: “The Wild
Horses of Sable Island.”
Rappaport had focused on entertainment news for 17
years, but instead of celebrities, her stories now
focus on animal issues. "My heart, my passion, has
always been my animals," she says. "Doing animal
welfare stories, about medical advancements in
animal cancer, adoption, rescue is what I love."
She is also an author, and two of her books, Jack &
Jill: The Miracle Dog with a Happy Tail to Tell and
500 Cats, were available at the event.
Among the guests enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres
by Swifty’s Catering were Betsy Goldman, President
of Animal Rescue, Blaine and Robert Caravaggi, Jane
Hoffman, Head of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC
Animals, Tazz Latifi, interior designer Jennifer
Bradford Davis, Pat Attoe, David Lacey, Wendy
Diamond, Monica Swendsierd, Jason Grant, Allison
Utsch, Caryn Zucker, Mara and Anna Millich, Jay
Jolly, Christine Hahn, Howard Bellin and Kandis
Koustenis, Roger Webster, Katy Hansen, Robert
Nathan, Lisa Sposato, Dylan Davis, Nancy Clark and
Chris Dewey, Mickey and Peter Bickford, Kim Wiegard,
Patrick Kilkullen, Libby Freidman, Antonio Chitatti,
Ann Fredlin, Jennifer Coffey, Kial and Laine
Blumenkopf, Michael Leofle, Lee Fryd, Marcy Roth,
Dana Lutt, Lisa Sposato and Kelly Rubin. Joe Panz
and Big Ant of Rescue Ink, a gang of macho
motorcycle-riding tough guys who have bonded
together to fight animal cruelty, stopped by to
support the cause.
Friends of Animal Rescue was created as a direct
response to the growing need of individuals and
rescue groups who may not have access to large
grants or other financial aid. They provide funds
for medical treatments, boarding, transportation,
and other animal emergencies. By making payments
directly to veterinarians, medical boarding
facilities, dog walkers, pet supply stores and more,
they can support smaller rescue efforts. Individuals
can make a difference. At the event, over $25,000
was raised to help keep the dream alive.
For more information about Friends of Animal Rescue,
which also helps find homes for pets in New York
City shelters, visit
www.friendsofanimalrescue.com
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