The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) announced they will honor actress and humanitarian Drew Barrymore at the annual ASPCA Bergh Ball on April 14, 2016, at The Plaza Hotel (770 5th Avenue).
At the black-tie gala – which will celebrate the ASPCA’s 150th Anniversary – Barrymore will receive the ASPCA Compassion Award. Business woman, author and TV personality Martha Stewart will present the award to Barrymore with ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. Two-time Tony Award Winner Nathan Lane will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Grammy Award winning producer and musician Mark Ronson will provide music as the evening’s DJ.
The ASPCA Compassion Award recognizes noteworthy individuals in entertainment and the arts who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare in the United States. Leveraging their creative talents and prominence, these artists have brought attention and action to the plight of vulnerable homeless animals, helping immeasurably to protect and save their lives.
“This year’s ASPCA Bergh Ball takes on special significance, occurring in the very month of our founding 150 years ago,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. “This gathering of animal welfare champions exemplifies the high level of compassion and commitment that inspired Henry Bergh to create the ASPCA in 1866 – a dedication that continues to drive our life-saving work around the country.”
The Bergh Ball is a cornerstone of the ASPCA’s fundraising efforts to directly impact the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals across the country. Sotheby’s senior auctioneer C. Hugh Hildesly will host the live auction portion of the evening, which will feature several high-end items and experiences. The live auction will be held in conjunction with an online auction with Charitybuzz, which will include such exclusive experiences as a personalized voicemail recording from Lena Dunham, a personal training session from Bob Harper, celeb trainer on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” a shopping spree and lunch date with Designer Nicole Miller, two tickets to Marina Abramovic’s 70th birthday dinner at the Guggenheim and four tickets to Billy Joel's sold out concert at Madison Square Garden. Generous support for the 2016 ASPCA Bergh Ball is provided by Chopard.
The theme of this year’s event is “Round of A-Paws for 150 Years.” Design Chair Robin Bell will design the décor for the event alongside Hatch Creative and B Floral. The Event Chairs for this year’s Bergh Ball include Catherine Adler, Jennifer Bandier, Dorothy and Martin Bandier, Laura Zambelli Barket, Robin Bell, Arriana and Dixon Boardman, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Mindy and Tom Fortin, Fredrik G. Gradin, Linda and Benjamin V. Lambert, Sharon Handler Loeb and Ambassador John L. Loeb, Tracy Maitland, Margo and James. L. Nederlander, Jeff Pfeifle, Mary and Martin Puris, Jill Rappaport, Chuck and Ellen Scarborough, Nancy Silverman, Phil and Lucy Suarez, Laura and Frederick Tanne, Kim White and Kurt Wolfgruber. Associate Chairs include Paul Arnhold and Wes Gordon, Lake Bell, Georgina Bloomberg, Kelly Connor and Robert Aronov, Gillian Hearst Sidmonds, Amanda K. Ruisi, Allie Rizzo, Scott Sartiano, Christian Siriano and Brad Walsh and Jessie Schuster.
For 150 years, the ASPCA has made groundbreaking strides protecting the lives of vulnerable and victimized animals across the country. Through adoptions, animal health services, community outreach, field investigations, and legislative work, the ASPCA has helped countless animals live safer, healthier and happier lives.
Drew Barrymore starred in E.T. at the age of six and has gone on to win critical acclaim and the hearts of fans for years in such movies as The Wedding Singer, Ever After, Charlie’s Angels and Grey Gardens, just to name a few. She is the co-founder of Flower Films, Flower Beauty, Flower Eyewear and Barrymore Wines. This fall, she became a New York Times bestselling author with her book, WILDFLOWER.
For more information about the 2016 Bergh Ball, click here.
