Tag: Missy Hargraves

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center Marks a Magnificent Milestone with a Star-Studded 25th Anniversary GET WILD! Gala

Southampton, NY — Under the golden glow of a Hamptons summer evening, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons celebrated its Silver Anniversary in true style with the 25th Annual GET WILD! Gala—an unforgettable night dedicated to compassion, community, and the creatures that share our world.

For a quarter of a century, the Center has been the beating heart of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across Eastern Long Island. This year’s gala was not only a celebration of 25 years of tireless dedication but also a record-breaking moment: over 1,800 animals aided in 2025 alone, marking the highest number in the organization’s history.

Guests arrived at the Southampton Arts Center to a warm welcome from Executive Director Kathleen Mulcahy and Gala Emcee, the award-winning animal advocate Jill Rappaport, whose boundless energy set the tone for the night. As the sun dipped low, attendees sipped cocktails al fresco, mingled beneath twinkling lights, and even had the rare opportunity to meet some of the Center’s current wildlife ambassadors—gentle reminders of the mission at hand.

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This year’s honoree, the remarkable Zelda Penzel, was recognized for her lifelong advocacy and unwavering commitment to animal welfare. The event was orchestrated to perfection by gala chairs Ingrid Edelman, Jane Gill, Missy Hargraves, and Lisa Baron Schenker, who brought together an extraordinary guest list. Among the glittering crowd was acting star, the gorgeous Leesa Rowland, the beloved Charity Queen Jean Shafiroff, Henry Buehl, Leesa Rowland, “Aunt” Sue Hrib, Chris Teakle, Ashley Bloom, and many more devoted supporters.

Inside, the excitement soared with a live and silent auction that raised over $200,000 for the Center’s vital programs. Laughter, applause, and heartfelt moments filled the air as guests bid generously, knowing every dollar would help rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife back into their natural habitats.

The evening also marked the unveiling of the Center’s new Silver Anniversary logo, symbolizing both the legacy and the bright future of the organization. Over its 25 years, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center has grown from a grassroots effort into Eastern Long Island’s only full-service professional wildlife hospital—staffed by licensed rehabilitators and supported by over 3,000 members, 500 trained volunteers, and countless champions of the cause.

Located on Munn’s Pond Park and surrounded by the rare ecosystem stretching from Tiana Bay to Peconic Bay, the Center is a sanctuary of healing and hope. Each year, it fields more than 15,000 calls for wildlife assistance and offers educational programs to schools, internships for college students, and community outreach to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

As the night drew to a close, there was no doubt that the 25th Anniversary GET WILD! Gala had done more than raise critical funds—it had reignited a shared passion to protect and preserve Long Island’s wildlife for generations to come. In the words of one guest, “It’s not just about saving animals—it’s about saving the very soul of the Hamptons.”

For more information on the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and to support their mission, visit: www.wildliferescuecenter.org

Photo Credits: Lisa Tamburini

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Paws & Purpose: A Glamorous Night of Compassion at Southampton Social Club

NYC Second Chance Rescue Illuminates the Hamptons with Heart, Style, and Hope

Southampton shimmered under the stars as the Paws & Purpose midsummer celebration swept through the iconic Southampton Social Club, transforming it into a haven of heartfelt glamour and philanthropic spirit. Hosted by NYC Second Chance Rescue, this unforgettable gathering was not just a summer soirée—it was a luminous testament to the power of second chances, where elegance met empathy and cocktails were served with a cause.

Set amid the lush garden oasis of Southampton’s most fashionable venue, the evening drew a constellation of animal advocates, tastemakers, socialites, and philanthropists, all united in their passion for saving lives. With handcrafted drinks flowing—including a cheeky splash of BIATCH® Tequila—and conversations buzzing about rescue stories and lives transformed, guests were reminded why this organization has become a beacon of hope for animals in crisis.

Among the radiant supporters in attendance were Alexandra Daddario, Jennifer Brooks, Lisa Blanco, Lisa Rose, Kate McEntee, Kingsley Crawford, Leesa Rowland, and Marc Loeb, along with prominent figures like Maria and Kenneth Fishel, Ian Duke, Missy Hargraves, “Aunt” Sue Hrib, Pious and Enzo Weinberg, and many more. These compassionate changemakers lit up the night with their energy and their commitment to NYC Second Chance Rescue’s life-saving mission.

Celebrity Spotlight: Leesa Rowland Brings Star Power and Heart to Paws & Purpose

Among the dazzling constellation of compassionate guests at Paws & Purpose, one radiant presence stood out—Leesa Rowland, celebrated actress, author, and philanthropist, whose deep love for animals shone as brightly as her charisma.

A long-time advocate for animal rights and rescue initiatives, Leesa has consistently used her platform to champion the voiceless, making her an especially poignant guest at the NYC Second Chance Rescue’s Southampton celebration. Known for her elegant charm and spiritual approach to life, Leesa brought a heartfelt energy to the evening, engaging warmly with supporters, rescue team members, and fellow animal lovers alike.

Her presence didn’t just elevate the guest list—it enlightened the atmosphere. Whether she was sharing stories about her own rescued pets or expressing admiration for the organization’s tireless work, Leesa radiated sincerity and compassion, embodying the very spirit of the event.

As one guest put it, “When Leesa walked in, the entire garden lit up—she’s a beacon of beauty and kindness. You could feel her love for animals in every word she spoke.”

With champions like Leesa Rowland on board, NYC Second Chance Rescue continues to gain momentum, inspiring others to take action, show empathy, and believe in the power of second chances.

Because for Leesa, rescuing an animal isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a calling. And at Paws & Purpose, her love and light were truly unforgettable.

The event was a stylish prelude to the upcoming August 8th Hamptons Gala, which is poised to be one of the most meaningful highlights of the East End’s summer season. As stories of medical miracles and four-legged survivors floated through the night air, one thing became clear: this was more than a party—it was a movement.

With over 16,000 lives saved since its founding in 2009, NYC Second Chance Rescue has become a powerhouse of hope, focusing on large-breed dogs and animals requiring critical care—those often overlooked and tragically marked for euthanasia. Thanks to generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and tireless leadership, these animals are not only given medical attention and love but also a future.

And that future was on full display in Southampton.

From the floral backdrops to the runway-ready attendees, from the clinking of glasses to the heartfelt conversations, every detail of the evening radiated with purpose. Guests weren’t just celebrating summer—they were celebrating second chances, new beginnings, and a mission that has never felt more vital.

With spirits high and hearts wide open, all eyes now turn to the August 8th Gala, where passion, philanthropy, and purpose will once again take center stage.

Because every paw deserves a purpose—and every animal a chance to shine.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Prestigious Lawlor Media Group Represents Must-Attend Get Wild! Gala for the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center’s Silver Anniversary

NEW YORK, NY— The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons is proud to announce its 25th-anniversary celebration with the highly anticipated Get Wild! Gala on Friday, August 1, 2025. This esteemed event, represented by the prestigious Lawlor Media Group, is a vital fundraiser dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and successful release of wild animals across Eastern Long Island.

Lawlor Media Group, known for its work with high-profile causes, is representing this great gala, underscoring the event’s importance and the worthy mission behind it. The gala is set to be a cornerstone of the Hamptons’ philanthropic calendar, bringing together community leaders and animal advocates for an evening of purpose and celebration.

This year’s gala, held at the stunning Southampton Arts Center, will honor the remarkable dedication of Zelda Penzel. The event will be emceed by the award-winning animal advocate, Jill Rappaport, with event chairs including Ingrid Edelman, Jane Gill, Missy Hargraves, and Lisa Baron Schenker, who are all working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.

The Get Wild! Gala is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, who are crucial to the Center’s mission. Key sponsors include:

  • Silver Anniversary Sponsor: Penni Ludwig
  • Parliament of Owls Sponsors: Leslie L. Alexander Foundation, Max, Beau, Bubba, Elliot and Willow Collé, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edelman, Lou & Deb Leone, The Schenker Family, and the Andy Sabin Family Foundation.
  • Gaggle of Geese Sponsors: Tracy Broxmeyer, Linda Lambert, Katherine Rayner, Dr. Jonathan and Wendy Turetsky, Louise and Lenn Riggio, and Marcia Hershey.
  • Long Eared Owl Foursome Sponsors: Jane Brickell, Richard Brickell, Victoria Kahn, and Maryann Marston.
  • Pair of Osprey Sponsors: Susan Allen, George Grofik and Christine Seddon-Grofik, Linda and Russell Munson, Georgica Services Ltd., Word Hampton Public Relations, and We the Animals of the United States.

The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center is Eastern Long Island’s only wildlife hospital. Starting as a grassroots effort by a few concerned friends, it has grown into a full-service professional wildlife hospital with over 3,000 members and supporters. The Center’s mission is to rehabilitate wild animals impacted by human encroachment on their habitats. With a dedicated team of staff and over 500 trained volunteers, the organization receives more than 15,000 calls for assistance each year.

Located in Munn’s Pond Park, a unique and irreplaceable greenbelt of public land parcels, the Center is perfectly situated on an ideal ecosystem for wildlife recovery. This natural setting, with its salt and freshwater wetlands, deciduous forests, and meadowland, provides a stress-free environment for recovering animals.

The Center’s operations, which include educational programs for local schools and internships for college students, are almost entirely funded by donations. With an annual operating budget of more than $950,000, the success of events like the Get Wild! Gala is paramount to its continued success. For more information about the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, please visit http://www.wildliferescuecenter.org.

Connect with the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center: IG: @wildliferescuecenter | F: Wildliferescuehospitalhamptons