ABC News anchor Will Ganss hosted the evening, guiding a crowd that included actress Liz Gillies, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, and social media figure Elias Weiss Friedman—better known as The Dogist. The program focused on the immense logistics required to maintain the world’s largest no-kill organization, punctuated by a performance from singer-songwriter Joshua Radin, whose set played against a backdrop of animals currently awaiting adoption.

Beyond the celebrity presence, the gala honored significant contributions to the cause. Jeff Schick received the Crystal Collar Award for his long-term dedication to shelter advocacy. Additionally, Abraham Lincoln High School earned the Mutt-i-grees Crystal Collar Award, recognizing a decade of student-led fundraising and their integration of rescue animals into the school environment. These efforts, supported by a wide array of corporate sponsors, ensure the organization can continue its work of rescuing animals from overcrowded facilities and disaster zones.