Bideawee Ball 2011 Raises Much Needed Funds for Homless Pets

Bideawee, Inc, the leading pet adoption and animal welfare organization serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island, held its Annual Bideawee Ball on Monday, June 13, 2011 in Manhattan. More than 250 pet lovers and Bideawee supporters attended the premiere fundraising event to celebrate animal welfare and the Bideawee mission to cultivate and support lifelong relationships between pets and the people that love them.

The evening's festivities were hosted by Loretta Swit, acclaimed actress of television, film and stage and passionate animal advocate. Ms. Swit and Nancy Taylor, President and CEO of Bideawee, presented the annual Bideawee Honoree Awards in recognition of those individuals who have made a difference in the lives of homeless pets and pet adoption.

Bideawee presented the celebrated "Bideawee Corporate Award" to IAMS in recognition of its corporate contributions to foster the health and well being of pets. IAMS has demonstrated a long-standing commitment in promoting responsible pet adoption and supporting animal shelter organizations across the country. Through the IAMS "Home 4 the Holidays" 2011 campaign, more than 1.1 million pets were adopted and 5 million meals were donated to shelter and rescue pets in need.

The Bideawee Volunteer Honoree was awarded to Joseph Garrison, board emeritus, and his best friend, Austin, for his more than 15 years in serving on the Bideawee Board and for their life long commitment to the Bideawee mission.

"Bideawee's annual gala is a festive evening that brings together pet owners and animal lovers to recognize the importance of our efforts in rescuing and nurturing dogs and cats abandoned on our city streets until they find forever homes," said Ms. Taylor. "All of us at Bideawee are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for continuing the Bideawee legacy."

Proceeds from the Bideawee Ball will support the continuum of animal welfare programs, educational community outreach and pet adoption services offered the Bideawee facilities located in Manhattan and in Westhampton and Wantagh on Long Island.

Bideawee, which means "stay awhile," in Scottish, is one of the country's oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903 by Mrs. Flora Kibbe, Bideawee has been providing shelter, care and compassion to homeless animals in helping them to find their forever homes for over 100 years.

Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501( c ) 3 humane organization and 100% of Bideawee's funding comes from private sources. For more information visit: www.bideawee.org