Broadway Legends Honor The Humane Society of New York
Best in Shows 2019 – Huge Success Honoring Orfeh and Andy Karl
I don’t know about you, but for me. . . this is my favorite fundraising event of the season presented by Dorothy and Bill Berloni at Feinstein’s/54 Below with the one and only Seth Rudetsky (proud rescuer and owner of four dogs) as musical director and host.
The Humane Society of New York is an extraordinary clinic (with top veterinarians and volunteers) who currently house 50 dogs and 150 cats in their facility at 306 East 59 Street in New York City. They are one of the top clinics in the area doing God’s work since 1904 lending a helping hand to so many. You’ll be happy to know that over 90% of all monies raised go directly to program activities as the President, Board Members and volunteers receive no compensation.
The stars from Broadway and beyond came out on October 14 helping the Humane Society raise much-needed funds from a very giving audience in the evening auction. Monies go not only to the care of the animals but to keeping the 6-story building in good condition.
The legends who performed included (in alphabetical order): Nick Adams, Griffin Binnicker, Brenda Braxton, Javier Colon, Eden Espinosa, Adam Kantor, Cassandra Kubinski, Beth Leavel, Beth Malone, Marilyn Maye, Bonnie Milligan, Evan Ruggiero, Justin Showell, Max Von Essen, Lillias White and, of course, the honorees themselves, Orfeh and Andy Karl who were recipients of the fifth annual Humane Society of New York’s Sandy Award.
Rescue pups Winston, a Yorkie, and Maria, a Chi, came with Society employees and were adorable as they were held and sung to during the evening. And, Bill Berloni’s Mabel (the bull dog) especially got lots of attention from both Adam Kantor and Beth Leavel.
The songs were heartfelt and pet friendly. One of the funniest moments was Marilyn Maye talking about Rosie, her 5 lb. Yorkie whom she carried in her purse as she traveled from gig to gig. At the end of her act, Rosie would come out and, on a drum roll, would dive right into the purse at the edge of the stage. Marilyn says “I had worked for one hour, and sang a lot of great songs, and she got more applause than I did.”
Your donations are always welcomed and necessary.
www.humanesocietyny.org
Photo: Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Bill Berloni established The Sandy Fund in the memory of “Sandy” (Arf) the dog who became a star on Broadway in Annie. An abused and abandoned animal, he was about to be put to sleep, when Bill found and rescued him, working with and training him as they began a life and career together. Sandy never missed a performance in over 7 years – “the longest running dog on Broadway.” The Fund underwrites lifesaving care for the needs of homeless dogs, cats and other animals.
Sandi Durell is Publisher/Editor of www.theaterpizzazz.com/
and has been writing, reviewing, producing, having a voice in the theater, cabaret and entertainment communities for over 25+ years. She is a Voting Member of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; member of the American Theatre Critics Association.
Sandi is a producer of Broadway & Hollywood Live! Revues (www.ShaRellProductions.com); has produced numerous Songwriter Events for the American Popular Song Society (APSS – formerly New York Sheet Music Society on which she is a Board member); the benefit CD “Our Heart Sings;” is a producer on the Award winning film “Broadway the Golden Age” (with Rick McKay) and has produced a variety of entertainment events for most of her career.
She is a member of the League of Professional Theatre Women, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU – Advisory Board),100+ year old Dutch Treat Club, The Lambs; an occasional theater “angel” and has had a career as a vocalist-performer.
Her column can also be found at www.theaterlife.com
