The Hamptons social season reached a new height of elegance and heart with the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons’ (ARF) annual Bow Wow Meow Ball, a glittering event that combined glamour, philanthropy, and love for animals in need. Hosted inside the William P. Rayner Training Center on ARF’s lush 22-acre East Hampton campus, the evening honored Ellen and Chuck Scarborough with the Champion of Animals Award—recognizing their extraordinary compassion and 25 years of unwavering support for ARF.
The event reflected the very essence of ARF’s mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats and dogs while nurturing a community of advocates who believe every animal deserves dignity and care. Guests entered an atmosphere transformed into an elegant fête with décor perfectly paired with dinner catered by culinary visionary Olivier Cheng. As the champagne glasses sparkled, conversations centered not only on the beauty of the evening but on ARF’s more than 50 years of lifesaving work.
Peter Marino, world-renowned architect, and his daughter Isabelle Trapnell Marino, ARF’s dedicated Board President, presented the award to the Scarboroughs in a heartfelt moment that symbolized the powerful bond between ARF and its supporters. Following the awards, the celebration turned into a lively dance party with music curated by DJ Othello, filling the night with joy and energy.
But the most important guests of the evening were four-legged: a heartwarming group of ARF cats and dogs available for adoption, each one a reminder of the cause behind the gala. Their presence brought smiles to faces and underscored the urgency of ARF’s mission.
The evening also featured a spirited live auction and the traditional Call to Arms, masterfully led by auctioneer Jason Lamoreaux. The audience was deeply moved by short films that told the stories of Squirt, a fragile kitten rescued from the roadside, and Monica, a senior Pit Bull Terrier who found her forever home after years of waiting. These narratives showcased ARF’s commitment to medical services and long-term care, reminding guests why their generosity is so vital.
Over 400 guests attended, a dazzling list of philanthropists, animal lovers, and cultural figures from New York City and the Hamptons. Among them: Nan Bush and Bruce Weber, Elias Weiss Friedman (the Dogist), Lisa and Brian McCarthy, Katharine Rayner, Katharina Otto Bernstein and Nathan Bernstein, Sylvie and Olivier Chantecaille, Jessica Koenigsberg-Wurpel and William Koenigsberg, John Paulson and Alina de Almeida, Alex Papachristidis and Scott Nelson, Andy Sabin, Kathleen and Rainer Kirchgaessner, Ralph Gibson and James Wright, Virginia Coleman, Shahab and Libby Karmely, Barbara Washkowitz, Gordon Hoppe, Majo Prazenec and David Sidwell, Samantha Rudin Earls, Emilia Saint-Amand, Dale Ellen Leff, and Patsy and Jeff Tarr.
Their presence and support ensured that the evening wasn’t just a glamorous gathering—it was a significant force for good. All proceeds went directly to ARF Hamptons’ programs, from adoptions and rescue operations to the pet food pantry, spay/neuter clinics, and year-round training classes.
Special thanks were extended to the generous sponsors, including Kontokosta Winery, Sag Harbor Florist, Broadview Gardens, Loaves & Fishes, Lisa McCarthy, Alex Papachristidis, Decker Design, Saint Brush, Deanna First, Eric Gunhus, EG Event Group, Better Man Distilling Co., Flecha Azul Tequila, Kidd Squid Brewing Co., Montauk Distilling Co., Race Lane Wine & Liquor, Sagaponack Farm Distillery, Vin74 Wines and Spirits, and Hamptons Magazine. Their contributions helped transform the Bow Wow Meow Ball into one of the most unforgettable evenings of the Hamptons summer calendar.
Behind the scenes, PR Powerhouse Lawlor Media Group, led by PR Tycoon Norah Lawlor, amplified the evening’s impact, ensuring that ARF’s story of compassion reached audiences near and far. Known for their unmatched ability to blend society, culture, and philanthropy into unforgettable moments, Lawlor Media once again delivered a flawless showcase of purpose-driven glamour.
With laughter, music, and heartfelt moments, the Bow Wow Meow Ball reaffirmed its reputation as more than just a gala. It is a celebration of life, love, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. In honoring Ellen and Chuck Scarborough, ARF also honored every person who believes in its mission. It was, simply put, a night where style met substance—and where every wagging tail and gentle purr was a reminder of why giving matters.
