RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue will hold its annual gala and fundraiser Oct. 23 at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, with Debbie Rabinowitz and Danbury Animal Hospital scheduled to be honored.
Rabinowitz will receive the 2026 ROAR Community Star Award, and Danbury Animal Hospital will receive the 2026 ROAR Business Star Award, according to the release.
Proceeds from the event will support ROAR's work to rescue cats and dogs and place them in homes.
"Every cat and dog deserves a chance at the best life possible in a warm, safe and loving home," Pat Stenko, president of ROAR's Board of Directors, said. "Our donors, sponsors and community partners have helped us save and improve the lives of 6,500 animals since 2000, and their ongoing generosity will help us reach many more for decades to come."
Rabinowitz joined ROAR in 2017 as a dog volunteer and later began photographing the organization's animals. ROAR said her portraits help prospective adopters see animals in the shelter's care. She also photographs ROAR events.
Since 2018, Dr. Jean Quaintance, Dr. Theresa Kaeser and the team at Danbury Animal Hospital have provided veterinary care for ROAR's dogs and cats, both at the shelter and at the hospital, according to the release. Their work includes exams, testing, diagnostics, lab work, vaccinations, microchipping, dental care, spays and neuters, surgeries, emergency care and treatment for foster animals with critical medical needs.
The gala will include a live auction led by Allison Stockel, former executive director of The Ridgefield Playhouse. Auction items will be previewed online, with bidding at the event. Items listed in the release include tickets to Brian Cashman's private suite at a Yankees game with a meet-and-greet, a cooking class at Albano Appliance with Chef Jehan S. deNoue, 18-karat white gold hoop earrings with 3.50 carats of diamonds from Addessi Jewelers, and 2027 season tickets to A.C.T. of Connecticut.
The silent auction will open online to the public about one week before the gala, according to ROAR. Bidding will close at the event Oct. 23.
ROAR is a nonprofit animal rescue organization in Ridgefield that works with homeless pets. Since its founding in 2000, the organization has placed 6,500 dogs and cats in homes, according to the release. Its shelter, named for the Donofrio family, opened in 2005.
Tickets and auction information are available from the group's website.
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