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.
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
