BOCA RATON, FL (March 22, 2012) – Delray Beach executive and philanthropist Arthur Benjamin’s non-profit organization, American Dog Rescue (ADR), took time out of a taxing international schedule, which includes major efforts to end the Harp Seal Hunt in Canada, to remember a dear friend, local animal lover and advocate.  Benjamin traveled back from the Arctic Circle where he was taping a television program filmed on the 100 miles of icy Gulf of St. Lawrence to serve as one of the principle sponsors at the Tri County Humane Society’s 10th Annual Doggie Ball fundraiser on March 18.

The Doggie Ball co-founder of more than 12 years, Jeannette Christos, passed away last July.  Benjamin praised the longtime executive director of Tri-County and remembered her as the woman who took over the shelter from the city of Boca Raton 12 years ago and converted it into a “no-kill” facility that found adoptive homes or provided one for thousands of unwanted and discarded pets. Many of them were abused and neglected, or too old for other shelters.

“Tri-County’s geriatric room was one of Jeanette’s special creations”, said Benjamin.

Though briefly memorialized at the event which left many disappointed, Benjamin and many more attended the event and donated in celebration of Christos’ life’s work. A true supporter of the Tri County Humane Society, Benjamin has devoted his life to saving abused and abandoned animals from deplorable conditions, and supports Tri-County’s mission each and every day, through the mission of American Dog Rescue.

According to Benjamin, “It is our privilege and honor to have sponsored such a great event that delivers on the mission of American Dog Rescue, ‘No Healthy Dog Without a Home.’ Jeannette Christos was my friend, a mentor to many including to me, a leader, a patron to all animals and a saint!”

The evening was accompanied by cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a live and silent auction. American Dog Rescue contributed the very first live auction items, two signed guitars, one by Paul McCartney, which raised thousands for the cause. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the supply of food, shelter and medical care for the thousands of homeless, abused and abandoned animals rescued each year by the no-kill shelter.

American Dog Rescue (www.americandogrescue.org) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling 801-944-3023.

Tri-County Humane Society (www.tricountyhumane.org) is a no-kill organization. Once an animal is rescued by Tri County, it is saved for life. The organization will not release an animal to another organization that has a policy of euthanasia. In addition, they will only place animals with qualified prospective owners. For more information call 561-482-8110.