Fans were treated to a star-studded lineup at the sold-out 2nd annual Fetch Pet Gala in NYC.
To support pets and their owners in need, Fetch Pet Insurance hosted its 2nd annual gala at The Carlyle in New York City. With scheduled appearances from Glee’s Darren Criss, West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose and Broadway star Bernadette Peters, fans were surprised with a special guest appearance from Cyndi Lauper.
Lauper treated the audience to performances of “Time After Time,” “True Colors” and “Fearless.” Dressed in an off-the-shoulder look reminiscent of her signature style, Lauper also appeared on Fetch’s green carpet to pose with a rescue dog from North Shore Animal League America.
“The incredible star power of the Fetch Pet Gala is how we’ve been able to raise over $1.2 million in just two years for organizations that are literally saving lives and delivering meaningful impact for pets in need,” Paul Guyardo, President & CEO of Fetch Pet Insurance, said in a statement obtained by Parade. “We are deeply grateful to Cyndi Lauper, Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss, Ariana DeBose, as well as our donors and brand sponsors, for their immense support and generosity.”
Danny Whitman, the executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, called the success of the gala “a testament to the immense power of compassion and community.”
“The funds raised tonight will provide vital medical care, emergency assistance, and essential support to help vulnerable individuals and their beloved animal companions when they need it most,” Whitman said.
In addition to Lauper’s songs at the gala, Criss also performed his renditions of “Almost Like Being in Love” and “Mack the Knife.” He also joined DeBose for a duet of the Oscar-winning “Shallow” from A Star is Born. In an exclusive interview with Parade, Criss said he arrived at the event only hours after playing a show at Royal Albert Hall in London.
“I love London, and it was such an honor to be in that performing arts venue,” Criss said. “And now we’re at kind of another version of that — a much smaller but equally as storied venue, The Carlyle.”
Read the full interview here.