NEW YORK, NY (October 7, 2011) – Philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, founder of American Dog Rescue, contributed to and helped raise more than ,000,000 for The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 during The Humane Society’s To the Rescue! Gala, held at Cipriani in New York City.

The star-studded event was all for the animals, and Benjamin was the one to really shine, serving as a top tier sponsor and bidding big during the live auction. With a heart bigger than his body, he stepped up to the plate, as always, with a heartfelt contribution to help save the animals, a mission near and dear to his heart. As founder of American Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of “No Healthy Dog Without A Home” Benjamin is a major, recognized supporter of HSUS, a role he clearly lived up to at the Gala.

In addition to his ,000 sponsorship support of the event, Benjamin bid on the ,000 live auction item of a Dog Rescue, the funds from which will save 100 animals. Additionally, he contributed to the Rescue Van bidding during the live auction, donating another ,000. He was also able to get Cathy Kangas of PRAI Cosmetics to match his Dog Rescue bid, raising an additional ,000 for The HSUS Animal Rescue Team and helping to save 100 more animals.

Benjamin was in good company, seated at a premiere table with HSUS Animal Cruelty Rescue and Response Team Director Ann Chynoweth, along with NBC Today Show Anchor Matt Lauer and Correspondent Jill Rappaport, whom he bonded with over their animal welfare foundations. Rappaport founded the Jack and Jill Fund for animal cancer in honor of her beloved dog Jack, who passed away from bone cancer. Benjamin has a similar story, having founded American Dog Rescue in honor of his beloved five pound poodle Buddy, a rescue dog who inspired him to start the foundation and who unfortunately passed away this year. Rappaport was honored at the event with the Voice for the Animals award for her dedication to animal welfare and her work reporting on animal issues on the Today Show.

Additional guests and animal lovers in attendance included Gala Co-Chairs Amanda Hearst (shown with Benjamin, above), Annie Churchill and Georgina Bloomberg; HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle; Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, NJ who was honored with the Humane Public Servant Award; renowned artist Peter Max; and many more charitable people, all coming together and joining Benjamin to support a wonderful cause.

Every year, state-of-the-art rescue vehicles from The Humane Society of the United States crisscross the country, saving thousands of animal lives. Ready to respond at a moment’s notice, the HSUS Animal Rescue Team uses its equipment, expertise, and other resources to assist law enforcement agencies with investigation, evidence collection, and animal seizure as well to coordinate animal care, sheltering, and relocation. More than million was raised from the To The Rescue! Gala, which will be used to save thousands more lives in the coming year from the cruelty of puppy mills, animal fighting operations, hoarding and neglect cases, and more. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.

American Dog Rescue (ADR) 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.