Comedian Amy Sedaris and TV personality Andy Cohen were at the Humane Society of the United States' To The Rescue! New York Gala on November 11 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Sedaris presented Nefertiti Greene, president of Science and Diagnostics for Mars Petcare, with the Corporate Consciousness Award on behalf of Mars, Incorporated for the company’s support to improve the lives of homeless and vulnerable companion animals around the world.
Cohen was the host of the event, which had the Neiman Marcus Group as the top sponsor, and offered insight into how fashion designers can end the fur trade. Items by vegan designers like Stella McCartney were up for auction and over $2 million was raised to benefit the organization’s work, including animal rescue efforts and fur-free campaigns.
In attendance was actor Justin Theroux and his dog Kuma, Styles P, Sarah Jeffrey, vegan chef and restauranteur Pinky Cole, fashion editor and host Laura Brown, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, and more to celebrate a fur-free future. Music was provided by DJ Mad Marj alongside a plant-based gourmet dinner by vegan Chef Eddie Garza.
“I’m here for Kuma and my friend Bethany designed a leash,” said Theroux, referring to the brand Found My Animal, a brand that creates products for pets that “celebrate adopted pets.”
The brand donated over 600 cotton rope to people who attended the event, and donors. “When you buy one of these lashes, a good portion of the proceeds go to animal rescue,” he said.
Sedaris owns a pet rabbit. “I’m here representing rabbits tonight, I’ve heard enough about dogs and cats,” she said. “This is my third rabbit. I was asked to present with Andy Cohen. Rabbits are great pets.”
Cohen wanted to work with the Humane Society for years. “They do great work,” he said. “Fake fur is readily available, nobody can tell the difference and I feel like you can do more things with fake fur, than real fur, so why wouldn’t you just embrace it?”
“Tonight was such an important night for animals,” Cohen added, noting that the money raised will help the Humane Society “fight for all animals to fulfill their ultimate goal of making the world a more humane place.”
“Luxury has evolved into who is responsible,” he said.
The evening featured a Neiman Marcus storefront with animal-friendly products—including fashion items made from Mylo, a bio-based leather alternative known as "mushroom leather" that's better for the environment than animal products.
The Materials Innovation Initiative showcased pioneering fabrics and textiles. “It was remarkable to be in a room filled with so much excitement for our mission to create a more compassionate world for animals,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States and CEO of Humane Society International.
“These incredible people and companies are doing invaluable work to help move us toward a more humane and sustainable future. The money raised tonight will help continue our fight to protect all animals.”
Nadja Sayej is the author of five books, including Red Carpet Ho, a comedy book about being a red carpet photographer, and Paparazzi Bitch, a photo book about shooting celebrities from the female gaze. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @nadjasayej. Her website is nadjasayej.com.