Community Corner
Christie Brinkley Receives Humanitarian of the Year Award
Pet Philanthropy Circle also names teen actor Lou Wegner a junior ambassador.
The Pet Philanthropy Circle honored animal advocates June 29 in Water Mill at the Pet Hero Awards, including Bridgehampton's own Christie Brinkley.
Brinkley received the top honor: the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Her award was presented by Jill Rappaport, of NBC's "Today," who was the 2012 recipient.
In a $5,000 drawing for Pet Hero Award-winning animal rescue organizations, Brinkley drew the name of Main Line Animal Rescue, of Phoenixville, Pa. Main Line also won the title Outstanding Rescue Organization, accepted by founder Bill Smith.
Andy Sabin, of the South Fork Natural History Museum and the founder of the Andrew Sabin Foundation, matched the $5,000 award to Main Line and also donated $5,000 to An ACT of Dog, Mark Barone and Marina Dervan's project to paint portraits of 5,500 shelter dogs. An ACT of Dog won the Animal Arts Award.
Lou Wegner, a 17-year-old actor who has appeared on Nickelodeon and in "Trouble With the Curve" with Clint Eastwood, was given the Junior Ambassador Award, presented by Pet Philanthropy Circle founder Jewel Morris. Wegner is the founder of Kids Against Animal Cruelty.
Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, based in Wainscott, won the Shelter of the Year Award. Wolffer Estate Vineyard partner Roman Roth presented it to Jennifer Rockford and Lisa McCarthy.
ASPCA Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel Stacy Wolf was presented with the Animal Welfare Education award by Jill Zarin of "The Real Housewives of New York."
Other awardees were:
- Outstanding Director — Jane Hoffman, director of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals
- Outstanding Philanthropist — Riki and Jerome Shaw
- Outstanding Corporation — Subaru of America
- Outstanding Veterinarian — Teresa Meekins, DVM
- Outstanding Foundation — Cesar Millan Foundation
- Outstanding Volunteers — Guardians of Rescue
- Outstanding Dog Award — Frenchie of Frenchie’s Winery
