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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
honor Ronni 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.
About Bideawee
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
***Please note Bideawee is pronounced
"BYE-DUH-WEE."
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