Bideawee Ball 2013

Sara Gore, Beth Stern, and Jacque Reid with Hailey and Mama, two furry sisters who are in need of a loving home.

Bideawee Ball 2013
by Delia von Neuschatz

Bideawee, one of New York’s leading animal adoption centers, kicked off its 110-year anniversary by hosting the annual Bideawee Ball at Gotham Hall on Monday night. Hosted by Georgina Bloomberg, the event attracted numerous animal lovers including philanthropist and television host, Beth Stern, celebrity reporter Tom Murro, fashion designer, Maggie Norris, celebrity dog groomer, Jorge Bendersky, and Prince Lorenzo Borghese from ABC’s The Bachelor. Guests, many of whom came with their beloved canine companions, enjoyed an evening of live music, dinner and dancing.

Beth Stern, Georgina Bloomberg and Georgina’s faithful companion, Mona.

The evening honored New York Live hosts Sara Gore and Jacque Reid for their continuing commitment to helping homeless animals and Goldman Sachs Community Teamworks for its ongoing volunteer commitment to Bideawee.

Mary Luria, Chairman of Bideawee’s Board of Directors and Nancy Taylor, President and CEO.

The evening’s entertainment also featured a live and silent auction which heated up quickly with the prodding of energetic auctioneer, Damon Casatico, who had donated his services for the evening. A few of the items on the auction block were a weekend of New Orleans jazz and cuisine featuring VIP tickets to a jazz concert and a 6-course meal at the Commander’s table in the Commander’s Palace Restaurant; a round of golf and lunch for three with Club Historian at the Merion Golf Club, site of the 2013 US Open; and four tickets behind home plate to see the Yankees play the Orioles this summer.

Additional offerings included a wide array of desirable goods and services such as an evening sparkle clutch from VBH Luxury, a comprehensive dental package from Dr. Marc Lazare coupled with a gift certificate from dermatologist, Dr. Anita Dormer, to be used towards any service at her Upper East Side medical spa, and a stay at the Setai Fifth Avenue combined with dinner at chic Casa Lever. There was also a beautiful pair of rose gold and cognac diamond earrings from JL Rocks, a custom bespoke shirt by designer Maggie Norris along with numerous pet products and services. The list goes on from there.

Rick Erickson, Diana Langer holding Stanley Sweetheart, Jenny Finn, Dr. Morleen Rouse and behind her Sandrina Parker, John Roberts and Barbara Kraisman with Sadie.

Karen Biehl with Eli and Jorge Bendersky.

Todd Richter with Henry. Henry’s days were numbered in a shelter when Bideawee got hold of him. He now leads an enviably posh life and couldn’t be more loved.

The photographers in action getting their furry subjects’ attention with a squeaky rubber chicken.

Leslie and Stuart Campbell.

Caroline and Catherine Loevner with Beau.

Remmel Dickinson, Pamela Laudenslager, and Lucy.

Andrew Le Pera and Fashion designerMaggie Norris.

Tom Murro, Georgina Bloomberg, and Kaitlin Monte.

Larry Goldfarb with Biggie.

Maura Rose with Alfie.

William Green and Kim Valentini with Charlie, Gabriella Rosetta, and Sofia Pietra.

Dr. Keith Manning, Enid Manning, and Charlie.

Dr. Michael Waltz and Cookie holding on to Wolfie.

Adrian Jones and Kristen Martinez Jones with their lovable pooch.

Stacy McCosky with Sadie.

Leslie Granger and Henry.

Bideawee which means “stay a while” in Scottish was founded in 1903 by the pioneering Ms. Flora Kibbe. In addition to its facilities in New York, the non-profit also has two outposts on Long Island, one in Wantagh and one in Westhampton.

With a selection of services including pet therapy and learning programs, along with two Animal Hospitals providing comprehensive veterinary care, Bideawee is committed to fostering life-long relationships between pets and their owners.

The scene at Gotham Hall.

Georgina Bloomberg at the podium invoking Bideawee’s 110-year history and multiple programs and services.

Indeed, with only a 4% rate of return, the charity boasts return rates for adopted animals that are well below national industry norms which typically hover at 18% to 20%. Moreover, Bideawee’s two Pet Memorial Parks on Long Island and bereavement support groups have helped countless animal lovers cope with the loss of their beloved pets. In addition to adopting a loving animal and/or volunteering, there are many ways to support Bideawee. To find out more, click here.