For Animals, A Second Chance

By Katlean de Monchy–

Ken and Maria Fishel know how to throw a party. Their Bridgehampton estate was the setting for NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 5th Annual Concert for a Cause.

Bradley and Alexandra Fishel, Maria and Ken Fishel and a black-and-white puppy. (Photo credit: BFA / David Benthal)

This was not a sit-down-and-listen-quietly kind of night. People came to see friends, hear great music, dance, eat, drink and enjoy a summer evening— and they had one very important reason for being there: saving animals.

The evening honored the philanthropist John Paul DeJoria, a long-time friend of NYC Second Chance (Photo credit BFA David Benthal)

At the center of the evening were the women who have made NYC Second Chance Rescue what it is. Jennifer Brooks and Lisa Blanco, who founded the organization, along with Lisa Rose, have spent years rescuing dogs and cats that are sick, injured, abandoned or simply out of options another chance. Katie McEntee, who handles partnerships and special events, was part of the team behind the evening.

Lisa Rose, Lisa Blanco, Jennifer Brooks and Katie McEntee (Photo credit: BFA / David Benthal)

There was also a new idea making its debut: Pawpoint, introduced as a science-based approach to canine wellness and healthy aging. For people who treat their dogs like family, the idea is simple—why wait until something goes wrong before thinking about a dog’s long-term health?

Real Housewifes participant Carole Radziwill (Photo credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Beth Stern, who has long been one of the Hamptons’ most visible animal advocates, was there supporting the cause, as was Leesa Rowland, another familiar face in the animal-rescue world. John Paul DeJoria, the evening’s honoree, brought his own long history of animal advocacy to the celebration.

Ashanti, one of the night’s entertainers (Photo credit: BFA / David Benthal)

Then came the fun. Ashanti and Fabolous took the stage and the party shifted into high gear. Guests danced, a vegetarian dinner kept with the spirit of the evening, and the auction included a yacht charter donated by Lauren and Eddie Shapiro of Nest Seekers. Among the guests were Daisy Toye, Carole Radizwill, Peter Cook, Blair Brandt, Margit Brandt, Eric Muschinski, Tina Guidipipietro and Rocco Guidipipietro.

Fabuloso, the other part of the night’s entertainment (Photo credit: BFA / David Benthal)

But for all the music and Bridgehampton glamour, it was hard to miss what was really driving the night. Somewhere beyond the beautiful estate and the dance floor were dogs and cats waiting for surgery, rehabilitation, foster care or a home.