Bideawee Honors Longtime Supporter Ronni Rothbart at its 2026 Bideawee Ball

Martinis and dog biscuits were on the menu on Monday, June 15, 2026, as playful pups and the people who love them gathered for the 2026 Bideawee Ball where funds were raised to rescue, treat and place homeless dogs and cats in permanent, loving homes. At 123 years old, Bideawee is one of the country’s oldest animal welfare and pet adoption organizations with locations in Manhattan and Long Island. The fundraising gala – open to well-behaved dogs and their doting human parents – took place at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan.

This year’s Bideawee Ball honoree was Ronni Rothbart, an incredible longtime volunteer, former foster parent, adopter, and donor. Ronni’s dedication to Bideawee’s mission is truly inspiring. After losing her beloved Bideawee alum, her cat Patrick, she established the Patrick Fund in his memory. Patrick had been found left in a bucket in terrible shape. Brought to Bideawee by firefighters, Patrick needed months of medical care which Bideawee provided. Ronnie stepped up to foster Patrick before eventually adopting him. After his passing, Ronni set up the Patrick Fund, in his honor, to help other animals who need costly medical care. This fund is vital to Bideawee’s work, as it provides life-saving medical care to animals who arrive at its doors in desperate need.

Leslie Granger, CAWA, President and CEO of Bideawee, said, “I am so proud to honorRonni Rothbart tonight for truly representing the “WE” in Bideawee. Ronni has been a dedicated foster parent, an enthusiastic adopter, a client at our animal hospital, a passionate volunteer, and a generous donor. She understands what it takes to care for these vulnerable and deserving animals we serve because she’s worn all of these hats and worn them so graciously. Ronni, I cannot think of a better way to honor your beloved Patrick than by doing just what you did – ensuring that other defenseless animals in our shelters get that same level of life-saving care. I urge everyone here tonight to consider honoring both Patrick and Ronni by donating to the Patrick Fund.”

The Bideawee Ball welcomed both two-legged and four-legged guests for a night of celebration and giving back. Pampered pups enjoyed a dedicated treat bar created exclusively for canine attendees, while adoptable dogs and puppies were on hand throughout the evening, offering guests the chance to meet some lovable future companions.

For human guests, the evening featured a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and an inspiring live donation appeal benefiting Bideawee’s mission. Black-tie optional attire was encouraged for both people and pups.

Generous sponsors included:

• Lane Office – Cocktail Reception Sponsor

• Data Axle – Dessert Garden Sponsor

• Tito’s Handmade Vodka – Beverage Sponsor.

Bideawee, which means “stay awhile,” in Scottish, is one of the country’s oldest animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903, Bideawee’s mission is to create and strengthen the human-animal bond through best-in-class lifesaving and compassionate care for pets and the people who love them. Bideawee provides an array of high touch services including adoption centers, animal hospital, pet therapy programs, and pet memorial parks that serve pets and pet lovers on their lifelong journey together. Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 humane animal organization and 100% of Bideawee’s funding comes from private sources. Bideawee operates in New York City, Wantagh, and Westhampton. For more information, visit: www.Bideawee.org