NYC Second Chance Rescue Raises Funds at 6th Annual Rescue Ball

By AI, Created 10:57 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – NYC Second Chance Rescue held its 6th Annual Rescue Ball at Chelsea Piers in New York City, honoring Ralph Macchio, Rob and Marisol Thomas, and Dr. Tom Walker for animal welfare work. The gala helped fund the nonprofit’s rescue, medical, and outreach programs as the organization marked 17 years and more than 17,000 animals saved.

Why it matters: - The Rescue Ball raises money for NYC Second Chance Rescue’s work saving dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia. - Proceeds support rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, medical care, and community programs such as free microchipping and spay and neuter clinics. - The event also spotlights the nonprofit’s scale after 17 years and more than 17,000 lives saved.

What happened: - NYC Second Chance Rescue hosted its 6th Annual Rescue Ball at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City. - The gala drew animal advocates, philanthropists, and supporters for a fundraising evening focused on the nonprofit’s mission. - The organization honored Ralph Macchio, Rob and Marisol Thomas, and Dr. Tom Walker with the Angel & Hero Award for animal welfare work. - Special guests included Georgina Bloomberg and Elaine Hendrix. - John Lloyd Young performed, and DJ GEO ROC handled the late-night music. - Guests were served Tito’s Handmade Vodka specialty cocktails and a vegetarian and vegan menu. - Live and silent auctions were part of the program. - A 1966 sky-blue Fiat 500 Jolly conversion from Hampton Jollys, a division of Carriage House Motor Cars, drew bidding that ended at $85,000.

The details: - NYC Second Chance Rescue said the evening celebrated 17 years of work and 17,000 lives saved. - The nonprofit focuses on large-breed dogs and critically ill cats and dogs. - The organization provides lifesaving medical care, rehabilitation, and placement through a foster network and an Adoption Center in Long Island City. - Notable attendees included David Lauren, Lauren Bush Lauren, Dylan Lauren, Joe Gatto, Bessy Gatto, Mike Woods, Dr. Dan Belkin, Shouka Amirsolimani, Dr. Tomas Infernuso, Jennifer Brooks, Lisa Blanco, Lisa Rose, and Kate McEntee. - The gala’s top sponsor was TD Bank. - Champion sponsors included Bloomberg Philanthropies, WJFNY Real Estate, Animal Surgical Center, Cirrus Nexus, Douglas Elliman Jessica Peters Team, Active International, Certified Services Group, Wag Creek, and Jamie and Sandra Ginsberg. - Partners included Designs by Mark Masone, McCall Risk Group Inc., Travel Event Staffing, and Bonded par Michael and Amy Nugent.

Between the lines: - The event blended philanthropy with celebrity draw to broaden attention and fundraising power for animal rescue. - The $85,000 auction result suggests high donor enthusiasm and a successful live-auction night. - The nonprofit’s emphasis on medical programs and outreach signals a strategy that goes beyond shelter placement alone.

What’s next: - NYC Second Chance Rescue will use gala proceeds to continue rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming vulnerable animals. - The organization also plans to expand community outreach, including medical programs, free microchipping, and spay and neuter clinics. - Supporters can adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer through NYC Second Chance Rescue.