Elegant evening garden party attracts more than 100 animal lovers across the region
WENONAH – Over a hundred animal lovers gathered on Saturday, June 5 for NJ Aid for Animals’ (NJAFA) Second Annual Angel Awards Soiree at host Delor Cornell’s Wenonah residence. While guitarist Pat Karwin performed soft rock classics, guests enjoyed a sumptuous gourmet meal in the great room and cocktails on the moonlit veranda. Brendan Connor, a renowned animal artist from Soho, displayed his work. To announce the affair’s “winged” theme, the Freedom Center for Wildlife , made a “rapturous” visit with a tiny screech owl and two hawks. Funds raised will help NJAFA meet a crucial demand for direct services as its base expands through the launch of several new county-based division
Ms. Cornell, who describes Kathy McGuire, President/CEO NJAFA, as “amazing,” was delighted to host the event at her home for the second year in a row. NJ Aid for Animals is an all volunteer 501c3 nonprofit that helps abandoned and abused animals in need through its services, including rescue, advocacy in the courts, humane education in the schools and spay-neuter services. Charitable donations raised from the event will support NJAFA’s work. Guests included Gerry Shreiber, President/CEO of J&J Snack Foods Corp; Harry Bagot, Project Manager, United Communities, Glen Scheetz Wenonah Chief of Police; Avril Cresse and Nancy Cresse, of the Cresse Foundation.
The Angel Awards, instead of honoring a single individual, extended broad recognition of NJAFA’s supporters and the animals that benefit. In keeping with the “winged” theme of this year’s gala, a magnificent ice sculpture depicted a majestic bird in flight. The sculpture was representative of the non-profit’s dedication to animals as well as its tribute to its “angels” who are their supporters. Guests sipped cocktails and sampled an array of sumptuous hors d’oeuvres in the warm, relaxed atmosphere of Ms. Cornell’s elegant great room.
Funds raised help to sustain NJAFA’s essential spay, neuter and rescue programs for abused and abandoned animals in southern New Jersey may continue.
Kathy McGuire, President/CEO, NJAFA, made her remarks, highlighting NJAFA’s urgent projects, gratitude to Ms. Cornell, and a tribute to abandoned and abused animals
“Community demand for our services is highest in the summer months,” McGuire emphasized. “We serve people and their animals in socioeconomically depressed areas that desperately need us. Delor Cornell and the many guests who came out to support us are making a difference that will have a lasting impact.”
“While honoring our “Angels,” the people whose contributions support our work, we are all paying tribute to our precious rescued animals. They have endured abuse, abandonment, hunger, and fear and we are their voice. They are our little angels. “
McGuire recognized several volunteers in her remarks, including Ms. Cornell, President& CEO of Cornell & Company, and an industry leader in steel erection, crane manufacturing-rentals, and sales. Cornell & Company’s prestigious portfolio of new construction and rehab projects span the Philadelphia skyline.
“We are always grateful to our Grand Patron, Delor Cornell — the woman of steel with the heart of gold – for her constant and ongoing support of NJAFA, for this evening and throughout the year” McGuire marveled. “So many people are volunteering countless hours: Dr. Honey Rothberg and Pennie Flennard, who deliver essential veterinary services; Stan Drinkwater, Esq., whose pro bono hours indirectly help thousands of animals; and Kitty Bodeep of Audubon, NJ, who supports our work through her contributions and long-standing belief in our mission. I could be here for the entire evening naming the people who do so much, from the website to events. It’s a broad-scale community effort that’s still growing.”
Ms. Cornell, who finds Kathy McGuire, President & CEO, “amazing,” is a dedicated supporter of NJAFA. “She’s very courageous,” says Cornell of McGuire. “She’s a certified animal rescue-and-rehab professional who champions aid to abused and abandoned animals in S. Jersey including going into Camden getting permission from owners whose dogs have not been altered to take the animal for spay or neuter procedures and bring it back to them. It’s a lot of work that requires consistent dedication.”
McGuire also announced NJAFA’s newly formed divisions that will facilitate rescue operations across south Jersey: The Camden County Society for the Protection of Animals; The Gloucester County Society for the Protection of Animals, Salem, and Burlington County Society for the Protection of Animals.
“These divisions will deal strictly with empowering the private citizen how to recognize and report animal cruelty,” says McGuire.
Following dinner, special entertainment included an appearance by handlers from the Freedom Center for Wildlife, Inc., a research, education and rehabilitation facility for native New Jersey habitats and animals based in Cinnaminson. Gala guests delighted in an up-close look at “Cheyenne,” a Harris’ Hawk; “Rogue,” a Red Tail Hawk; and “Firbey,” an Eastern Screech Owl.
To volunteer for NJ Aid for Animals, please call (856) 498-3978 or visit www.njafa.org