Animal Welfare Philanthropist To Be Honored In Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation will honor animal welfare philanthropist Cathy Bissell with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Foundation’s 15th Annual Unconditional Love Gala on July 20.

The gala, which is the premiere fundraising event for the Foundation, "plays a vital role in raising essential funds to support SASF’s mission to nurture the bond between humans 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, chair of the board of directors at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation.

She created the BISSELL Pet Foundation in 2011, which the SASF said, has impacted the lives of nearly 750,000 pets and directed 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 deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation," said Bissell. "This recognition reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts in advocating 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, is "constantly collaborating with small and large animal shelters in different parts of the country to understand the most pressing challenges and needs and develop programs to make the greatest impact. Cathy's hands-on approach and lifesaving vision have launched 13 programs that the foundation executes and improves upon 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, the SASF said.

Also, in 2016, Bissell established the Foundation's "Empty the Shelters™" adoption event.

"Not only is Cathy the driving force behind every program, but mindful of every dollar, she also ensures that each gift is maximized to reach the greatest number of pets. Shelters know they can turn to Cathy Bissell and BISSELL Pet Foundation to respond quickly to their concerns when other organizations cannot. Today, Cathy's own five adopted pets inspire her as daily reminders to continue saving animals until every pet has a home," the SASF said.

For tickets to the event, click here.