Giving Back: To Australia, With Love

The numbers are staggering: More than a billion animals have perished because of the horrific wildfires that have swept across Australia. As a passionate animal lover and welfare advocate, I wanted to do something — even a small gesture in the big scheme of things — to help. Rather than continue to feel hopeless, I channeled my sadness into action. In just three weeks, the To Australia, With Love fundraiser was born.

The fundraiser successfully raised $5,000 for two charities that are on the frontlines of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Australia: World Wildlife Fund Australia and WIRES. I am inspired by the incredible work and dedication of these two organizations, their staff, and their volunteers and hope that you will consider making a donation.

I’m so grateful to everyone who donated their time, skills, and resources to make the event happen including graphic designer Amber Haynes, Todd Gray, Ellen Kassoff and the staff of Equinox Restaurant, Tim Juliani of WWF, and the rockin’ musicians of Diplomatic Immunity. I’m also very thankful to everyone who helped spread the word: Sarah Humphries, Sara Polon, Erica Meier, Kimberly Wilson, Elizabeth Duncan, Nina Halper, Nora Fischer, Amanda Phillips, Jason Silverman, Susan Able, Lee Cohen, Nycci Nellis, and Nancy Donnelly.

Here are a few photos from the evening snapped by J. Sasu Photography.