The Humane Society Invites Supporters To Travel Virtually To Its Gala To Celebrate Animal…

It’s a terrific week for rescued animals. Not only did the news break that President-Elect Joe Biden will be bringing the first rescued dog into the White House in January, but there is also a special virtual gala to celebrate those who dedicate themselves to the important work of rescuing animals. The Humane Society of the United States is holding its annual “To The Rescue!” gala to celebrate the brave people who devote themselves to saving animals in a new way this year. It will be held virtually on Saturday, November 14, 2020. Kitty Block, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, spoke to us about this special event that’s dear to her heart.

What inspired the HSUS to start the annual gala?

We started our annual gala in 2010 to celebrate and share with our supporters our victories — saving, rehabilitating, and caring for tens of thousands of animals each year. We couldn’t do the work without the generosity of our supporters and the gala was born out of that idea.

I love everything about coming together to share an inspiring, emotional and entertaining evening with them. That first gala ten years ago exceeded our expectations and continued to grow into an annual signature event featuring and attracting talented artists through the years like Ricky Gervais, Rob Thomas, Sutton Foster and countless others.

Who will be your guests this year?

This year we are celebrating everyday heroes who work tirelessly to help animals in need, without wavering even during a pandemic. These heroes take action in their daily lives by recusing animals in crisis and promoting cruelty-free lifestyles to make collective transformational change for all animals. Videos of these heroes will be featured during the show and acknowledged by our celebrity participants, including the Emmy-nominated, Saturday Night Live cast member Cecily Strong, who is hosting the evening. Tony, Grammy and Emmy award-winning performer Audra McDonald will host the pre-show and perform. These two talented women will be a major highlight of the night. Other stars will make surprise appearances during the evening.

Were there any particular challenges to transitioning to an online gala? 

We started pivoting our events in April with a livestream concert featuring Rob Thomas, Jason Mraz and Chris Daughtry. We jumped into the virtual world quickly, and we embraced innovative technology and ways of keeping our donors engaged in our work. That event was a great success. Not only did we have three great performers, but we also had other celebrities coming on board to participate like Courtney Cox, Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper, Kaley Cuoco and others. Now we are pulling together this stunning virtual gala. While there are new challenges with transforming our annual gala into an online experience, the level of our celebrity talent and the focus of telling our stories remains the same. We know our supporters will miss the camaraderie of being together in one grand, exciting New York City space, but we promise to have an inspiring evening that will transcend their expectations! 

Any recommendations for people who will be virtually attending? 

Our hope is that viewers will feel inspired and want to do something to join our fight to end cruelty for all animals. We understand that this year is different, which is why we are using innovative software to ensure the viewer experience will be exceptional. Viewers can engage with us throughout the evening by donating to our fund a need, and by participating in our on-line auction.

Hosting a virtual event provides the opportunity to invite and include a global audience to learn more about us, support our work, and learn how they can make a difference for animals, no matter where they live.

What do you wish everyone knew about the gala?

This year we will be using very cool innovative technology that will transport attendees into a magical 3D environment fully customized to take guests through a fantasy setting of flowery meadows, glamping-style yurts and a backstage barn to watch the main show. Celebrities and speakers at the event will be augmented into the virtual reality. The platform also provides guests interactive opportunities such a virtual photo booth that allows them to take photos and make gifs with the background options of the ceremony or customized photo frames.

What do you wish they knew about the Humane Society of the United States?

We fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, we take on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries. With our affiliates, we rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals every year through our animal rescue team’s work and other hands-on animal care services. We fight all forms of animal cruelty to achieve the vision behind our name: A humane society. We hope that viewers can feel inspired to join our mission from home!

What can people expect from the HSUS in the next year? 

Our organization will always be pushing forward and continuing its work to achieve a more humane society for all animals – from dogs in puppy mills, factory farm animals and fur farms to wildlife targeted by trophy hunters. There is no way that we could accomplish all we do without the support of our donors. We won’t stop fighting for animals or expanding our reach to inspire animal lovers all over the world to know that they can make a difference for animals.

How do people get tickets to attend the event? What is expected of attendees? 

People can purchase tickets and learn more about our first virtual gala at the registration page of the Humane Society of the United States website. Our wish is that our gala attendees are engaged, feel aligned with our work, and walk away from the evening even more driven and ready to help animals.

In addition to donations, how can people help your mission?

People can help with our mission by donating directly on the website. But it doesn’t stop there. By volunteering your time, signing petitions, sharing content and educating your friends and family, you are helping to make the world better for all animals.