SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation will honor animal welfare philanthropist Cathy Bissell with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Foundation's 15th Annual Unconditional Love Gala on July 20.
The gala, which is the Foundation's premiere fundraising event, “plays a vital role in raising essential funds to support SASF's mission to foster the bond between people and companion animals through education, advocacy and adoption,” SASF said.
“We are honored to recognize Cathy Bissell for her lifelong commitment to animal welfare,” said Jordan Lippner, chairman of the board at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation.
She created the BISSELL Pet Foundation in 2011, which SASF said has impacted the lives of nearly 750,000 pets and channeled more than $30 million to shelters and programs to support animal welfare and provide resources to underserved communities.
The 15th Annual Unconditional Love Gala features live entertainment, a gourmet dinner and a silent auction. Funds raised from the gala directly support the shelter's efforts to provide medical care, food, shelter and love to animals in need.
“I am very honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation,” said Bissell. “This recognition affirms the importance of our collective efforts to advocate for animal welfare and is a testament to the lives we have saved. Together, we can continue our critical work to find every pet a loving home.”
Bissell, with 13 years of experience in animal welfare, “constantly works with small and large animal shelters in different parts of the country to understand the most pressing challenges and needs and develop programs to have the greatest impact. The hands-on approach Cathy's and The lifesaving vision has launched 13 programs that the foundation runs and improves to support its growing partner network of more than 6,000 shelters in all 50 states, impacting nearly 750,000 pets since 2011,” SASF said.
Bissell also launched the “Fix the Future™” initiative in 2023 to address the lack of access to veterinary care for both shelters and pet owners, SASF said.
Also in 2016, Bissell founded the Foundation's “Empty the Shelters™” adoption event.
“Not only is Cathy the driving force behind every program, but she watches over every dollar, she also makes sure every gift is maximized to reach the greatest number of pets. Shelters know they can turn to Cathy Bissell and the BISSELL Pet Foundation for to respond quickly to their concerns when other organizations cannot Today, Kathy's five adopted pets inspire her as daily reminders to continue rescuing animals until every pet has a home,” SASF said.
For tickets to the event, click here.