The gathering at Kidd Squid Brewing Co. drew a capacity crowd, featuring a notable appearance by New York Knicks forward Josh Hart. Hart spent the evening meeting attendees and interacting with families who had adopted dogs rescued from slaughter. The event aimed to secure $150,000 to fuel a series of upcoming initiatives, including the transport of 475 survivors currently in East Asia and the launch of a global rescue and vaccination tour beginning in Ukraine.

Beyond the fundraising goals, the evening centered on the stories of four survivors—Mercy, Simba, Flash, and Bozie—who appeared on stage with their adoptive families. These dogs, once victims of the meat trade, acted as living proof of the organization’s rehabilitation work. Volunteers and donors filled the brewery, underscoring a decade of growth for the group, which now operates shelters in East Asia and advocates for animal welfare laws globally. Beri emphasized that the funds will also support the expansion of U.S. sanctuary facilities and the creation of enhanced adoption programs, ensuring that the momentum generated in Sag Harbor translates into immediate, tangible rescues.