'It's Reigning Cats and Dogs' at Woodbury CC

Last Hope Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc. will hold its 30th anniversary dinner celebration at Woodbury Country Club on Nov. 10. The theme, "It's Reigning Cats & Dogs," represents how Last Hope has helped make a "rags to riches" transformation for homeless animals since 1981.

"2011 has been a landmark anniversary year for Last Hope," president Linda Stuurman said. "We opened our new, spacious Wantagh Adoption Center in June… we finally have our dogs and cats under one roof."

Several supporters will be honored at the celebration including co-founders Janet Brasco and Geraldine Walsh, supporter and CEO of the Hallmark Channel William J. Abbott, and various "pioneers of progress" who founded and directed their own animal shelters.  Honorees and guests will enjoy a dinner, dancing, raffles, and auctions to benefit the expanding humane organization.

What began 30 years ago as Brasco and Walsh striving to help strays, Last Hope has grown into a humane organization of 250 volunteers at several centers and outreach programs across Long Island.

In the past 30 years of growth, Last Hope has advocated for abandoned and stray animals across the island.  Their Fix-a-Feral program, which assists cat owners with financial worries by spaying and neutering for free, has altered over 10,000 cats since 2003. Advocates for all pets, Last Hope hosted the first "Pit Bull Predicament Symposium" to change the public's view on Pit Bulls.

Tickets for the celebration are $75 for a cocktail hour, sit down dinner and full open bar. The event is expected to sell out early, so visit Last Hope Animal Rescue's website to reserve a spot at the table.