The Sold-Out Gala, hosted by Fetch Pet Insurance at The Carlyle in NYC on October 19th benefited Broadway Barks, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Wags & Walks and North Shore Animal League America
Music legend Cyndi Lauper made a surprise appearance at the 2nd Annual Fetch Pet Gala, hosted by Fetch Pet Insurance, capping off an extraordinary star-studded evening featuring performances by Tony and Academy Award winners Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss, and Ariana DeBose to raise funds for pets in need.
Dressed in an off the shoulder look reminiscent of her signature style, Lauper captivated guests at the afterparty with intimate, acoustic versions of “Fearless”, “Time After Time” and “True Colors.” In addition to being a global sensation for her iconic pop hits, she is well-respected within the Broadway community for her acclaimed work including composing the Tony-winning score for Kinky Boots.
Earlier in the evening, guests had gathered in the iconic Café Carlyle for dinner and performances by Peters, Criss, and DeBose, highlighted by a spontaneous duet of “Shallow” from A Star is Born between Criss and DeBose.
2nd Annual Fetch Pet Gala
The unforgettable performances included:
- Bernadette Peters delivered moving renditions of Stephen Sondheim’s “No One Is Alone” from Into the Woods and “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music, alongside a sultry performance of “Fever.”
- Darren Criss brought his signature charisma to the stage with Broadway favorites “Almost Like Being in Love” from Brigadoon and a spirited rendition of “Mack the Knife.” He also joined Ariana DeBose for a show-stopping duet of the Oscar-winning “Shallow” from A Star Is Born.
- Ariana DeBose performed “This Wish” from Disney’s Wish, in which she voiced heroine Asha, alongside “Meadowlark” from The Baker’s Wife and “Somewhere” from West Side Story, the film that earned her a historic Academy Award.
“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,” said Paul Guyardo, President & CEO of Fetch Pet Insurance. “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.
“The overwhelming success of this year’s gala is a testament to the immense power of compassion and community,” said Danny Whitman, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “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. We are filled with gratitude for our continued partnership with Fetch Pet Insurance and everyone who helped make this remarkable night possible.”
The Fetch Pet Gala is made possible through the support of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets, SATELLAI, and Earth Rated, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka alongside a distinguished roster of corporate sponsors.
The Fetch Pet Gala is one of the many ways Fetch Pet Insurance gives back, continuing the company’s commitment to support pets and their parents in need. To date, Fetch Pet has raised more than $20 million for charitable organizations and initiatives.
For more information about the event: https://www.fetchpet.com/the-fetch-pet-gala.
About Fetch Pet Insurance
Fetch Pet Insurance is a leading pet insurance provider dedicated to helping pet parents give their pets longer, healthier lives. Fetch Pet distinguishes itself by offering the most complete protection in North America, covering more types of injuries and illnesses than other providers.
A mission-driven approach sets Fetch Pet apart. From raising over $17 million for shelter partners and supporting pets impacted by natural disasters to helping expand Project Street Vet into twelve communities, Fetch Pet is committed to providing essential pet care, no matter the financial circumstances of their families
Fetch Pet insurance policies are administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (d/b/a Fetch Pet Insurance, Fetch Pet Insurance Services in New York and British Columbia, Fetch Insurance in Nebraska, Fetch Pet Insurance Services, LLC in Michigan, North Dakota, New Mexico and California) CA license # 0F60627 and underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company, an Illinois Corporation, in the U.S. and AXIS Reinsurance Company (Canadian Branch) in Canada. For more information, visit fetchpet.com.
About the Entertainers
Bernadette Peters is one of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers, having garnered three Tony Awards, a Golden Globe, four Emmy nominations, four Grammy nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame across her illustrious career on stage, film, and television. Renowned for her legendary portrayals in Stephen Sondheim musicals and iconic Broadway revivals, she is also a New York Times best-selling author and a dedicated advocate for animal welfare. As co-founder of Broadway Barks, an annual star-studded adoption event benefiting shelter animals, Peters continues to devote her time and talents to charitable causes, bringing her passion for animal rescue to the Fetch Pet Gala.
Darren Criss is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award-winning actor, singer and songwriter whose career spans stage, screen and music. He recently starred as Oliver in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, earning his first acting Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical and sharing in the show’s Best Musical win as a co-producer. His Broadway credits also include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and American Buffalo. Criss rose to international prominence as Blaine Anderson on Glee and later earned Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for his performance as Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. He is also a co-founder of StarKid Productions and founder of the Broadway-inspired music festival Elsie Fest.
Ariana DeBose is best known for her Academy Award, BAFTA, Critics Choice, and SAG Award-winning performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story movie musical. She got her start on Broadway performing in the ensemble of Hamilton and starring as Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, earning a Tony Award nomination. She hosted the Tony Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, earning Emmy nominations for Outstanding Variety Special for the latter two years. Additional Broadway credits include the musicals Pippin, Motown, A Bronx Tale, and Bring It On.
About Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the philanthropic heart of Broadway, helping ensure those affected by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses receive medication, healthy meals and emergency financial assistance. It provides annual grants to more than 450 organizations, including those focused on helping people with chronic illnesses care for their beloved pets.
About Broadway Barks
Broadway Barks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cofounded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore which unites animal shelters, rescue organizations and the Broadway community to find loving homes for countless dogs and cats.
About Wags and Walks
Wags and Walks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to reducing euthanasia and celebrating rescue dogs as beloved family members. Since 2011, Wags has saved over 16,000 dogs across Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York.
About North Shore Animal League America
Animal League America has saved more than 1.2 million lives. As the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn’t complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. We reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, commercial breeding facilities, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. www.animalleague.org
