On the evening of June 12, 2025, Manhattan’s skyline set the stage for a heartfelt cause as North Shore Animal League America hosted its annual Celebration of Rescue gala atop the TriBeCa Rooftop. Against the golden-hour glow of the Hudson River, the city’s philanthropic elite—along with a few four-legged guests—gathered in support of the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization.
The night’s theme? Celebration, compassion, and community. Spearheaded by Beth Stern, long-time foster parent, spokesperson, and Board Member, and hosted by Ginger Zee, ABC News’ Chief Meteorologist and climate correspondent, the gala honored both the animals saved and the people behind the mission.
This year’s Celebration of Rescue brought together an impressive mix of animal advocates, celebrities, media personalities, and longtime supporters of Animal League America’s no-kill mission. The evening began with a chic rooftop cocktail hour as guests mingled alongside adoptable puppies and kittens, each one a living reminder of the organization’s impact.
During the main program, Joanne Yohannan, SVP of Operations, spoke passionately about the League’s 80+ years of dedication to animal welfare, highlighting personal rescue stories and the organization’s continuous work in nurturing, adopting, and educating.
“This mission is about more than just saving lives—it’s about changing them.”Joanne Yohannan, SVP of Operations for North Shore Animal League America
In celebration of partnerships that extend far beyond the red—or in this case, blue—carpet, several honorees were recognized for their extraordinary support.
Teri Ahearn, principal of Shell Bank Middle School in Brooklyn, was awarded the Crystal Collar Educators’ Award for her work with the Mutt-i-grees™ Curriculum, a social-emotional learning program that brings animal welfare into classrooms.
The Crystal Collar Corporate Award went to Swiffer®, honoring the brand’s continued commitment to adoption initiatives and their tangible support of Animal League America’s life-saving work.
As the sun set, actor and voice artist Hank Azaria and The EZ Street Band transformed the rooftop into a Springsteen-inspired dance floor. Their high-energy performance of Bruce’s greatest hits had the crowd on their feet—proving that good music and good causes make for an unbeatable pairing.
Other notable attendees included Howard Stern, Rachael Ray and John Cusimano, Ali Wentworth, Liz Gillies, Ben Aaron, Will Ganss, Matt Friend, Seth Herzog, Hazel Sanchez, Robyn Schall, Brian Balthazar, and designer Mark Bouwer—many of whom cradled adoptable animals on their way down the blue carpet.
Backed by a generous roster of sponsors—Northwell Health, Fetch Pet Insurance, Swiffer, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, MWI Cencora, Morgan Stanley, and many others—the gala served as a critical fundraiser for Animal League America’s ongoing efforts. Proceeds from the evening directly support the organization’s four-pronged mission: Rescue, Nurture, Adopt, and Educate.
The event also featured in-kind donations from Hank and Katie Azaria, Jessa V. & the Fringe, and RR Donnelley RRD, underscoring the strong network of supporters contributing to this cause in meaningful ways.
As the night wrapped, the message was clear: rescue isn’t just a mission—it’s a movement. And in a city known for its energy, ambition, and heart, this gathering proved that animal welfare remains a powerful unifier.