On Saturday, August 17, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons) will host the Bow Wow Meow Ball commemorating its 50th anniversary in the William P. Rayner Training Center. The evening will honor ARF’s founders, Barbara Hotchkiss Posener and Sony Schotland posthumously, and Dorothy Wahl, as well as recognize the Chantecaille Family with the Champion of Animals Award for their dedication and passion in support of ARF and animal welfare.
What began as a grassroots endeavor, ARF was founded with the vision and dedication of Posener, Schotland, and Wahl, who joined forces at a time when summer residents regularly abandoned their pets at the end of the season. Their passion and commitment to animal welfare set the tone for the community-driven organization that has flourished over the last five decades.
The evening will also honor the Chantecaille family, which has three generations of family donating and regularly volunteering at ARF. Beyond their support for ARF, Chantecaille Beauty has collaborated with other prominent animal rights organizations across the globe, demonstrating a broad commitment to global animal welfare and conservation efforts.
The evening’s celebration of ARF’s life-saving work for the past 50 years will take place on the 22-acre campus in East Hampton. Guests will enjoy cocktails followed by dinner catered by Olivier Cheng within an elegant setting. Chuck Scarborough will emcee the evening, and afterward, the party will continue with dancing to music by the Peter Duchin Orchestra. Over 400 high-profile guests from New York and the Hamptons are expected to attend the magical night. All proceeds will benefit ARF Hamptons, a leader on Long Island for the rescue and adoption of cats and dogs.
The animals in ARF’s care come from animal control centers, high-kill shelters nationwide, and people who can no longer care for their pets. ARF provides all its animals complete medical care—including spaying and neutering—and humane care for their basic needs. Once medically evaluated and socialized, the dogs and cats are available for adoption at its Adoption Center in East Hampton. Over the last 50 years, tens of thousands of cats and dogs have received compassion, food, shelter, medical care, training, and, ultimately, their forever homes with new families through the committed efforts of ARF’s staff and volunteers.
A group of ARF cats and dogs available for adoption will join the festivities. The Bow Wow Meow Ball event is an important evening as it raises funds vital to the organization and its mission.
The evening will also include a live auction and a silent online auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and luxury items like a courtside box at the US Open, second-row seats at a New York Knicks home game, golf at the Maidstone Club, a private dinner party at Madoo Conservancy, private garden tours, jewelry, and artwork.