- Wendy, Lucky, Karen LeFrak, Sara Gore, and Matt Miele enjoy the elegant event
The idyllic town of Southampton may be best known for its star-studded roster of inhabitants, but amidst the Alec Baldwin’s and the Michael J. Fox’s are people with not only extraordinary resumes, but also incomparable hearts. The fabulous people at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation recognize that not every resident of this Long Island, New York town is fortunate enough to live in a waterfront mansion, let alone any home at all, and so they have turned their sights towards the oft overlooked homeless animals of The Hamptons
- Sara Gore and Lucky share a moment
Founded in 2009, The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) stepped up and gave a voice to the disenfranchised animals of Southampton when the Southampton Town Animal Shelter was stricken from the town’s budget. Now, relying exclusively on generous donations, SASF offers a wide array of services benefiting the entire animal community of Southampton. From providing low cost (and free for Pit Bulls) spaying and neutering, to expert training to make sure that their animals are in prime form for adoption, SASF is doing its part to make sure that no member of their community gets lost in the opulence of the island.
- Need an Excuse to get out to the Hamptons? Why not come and adopt a big slobbery slice of Puppy Love?
On July 16th, 2010 SASF hosted their 2nd Annual Unconditional Love Benefit Cocktail Party, recognizing Karen LeFrak as their chief honoree generously hosted at the home of renowned NBC anchor, Chuck Scarborough joined by the likes of Sara Gore and Matt Miele, Gail and Sam Tobias, and Jean Shafiroff. LeFrak, the wife of real estate mogul, Richard LeFrak, is accomplished in both her professional and recreational pursuits. A classically trained musician, and Director of the New York Philharmonic and chair of their Music Policy and Special Events Committee, as well as the parent of two champion Standard Poodles, Miki and Gem, Le Frak was honored for her work raising money and awareness for animals in need across the globe.
- Chuck Scarborough and Lucky are both no strangers to the camera
LeFrak, however, is no stranger to contributing on a personal level. In addition to such sophisticated accomplishments, LeFrak has used both of her poodles as therapy dogs benefitting New Alternatives for Children, and Mt. Sinai Hospital. She has co-chaired the American Kennel Club’s DOGNY project, raising over $2 million for search and rescue dogs, and is the proud of author of a series of children’s book, the proceeds from which go towards the New York Philharmonic, the American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet, and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Following the exploits of “Jack the Philharmonic Dog”, LeFrak’s stories follow Jack as he learns about the music world while educating children about the importance of respecting their animal friends.
Le Frak’s tireless campaign to lift up the underdog is truly an inspiration, but the fact remains that her work is never finished. Individuals like Karen LeFrak and organizations like SASF are vital to the security and well being of all animals and they can use all of the help that they can get!
If you are interested in assisting The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in their ongoing project to provide a comfortable home for all animals, please visit their website, call (631) 728-7387, or send an email to info@sasfinc.com to learn how you can make a donation today.