New York City - Many goodhearted and conscientious animal loving swells gathered in lower Manhattan on Wednesday, to raise money, awareness and potential adoptions for both the Last Chance Animal Rescue Fund (LCARF) and Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue And Sanctuary (AFERS).

The evening's host, owner of The Cooper Square Hotel, Klaus Ortlieb standing on the penthouse deck. (Eileen Casey)

Hosted by the gracious Klaus Ortlieb, owner of The Cooper Square Hotel, in the magnificent penthouse suite with panoramic views, luminaries from the worlds of art, fashion and design came to bid on one of a kind auction items, toast the volunteers who keep both these organizations afloat, and to offer their support for the plight of dogs and horses headed for the hereafter unless more adoptions, funds and awareness keep them at the top of everyone's charitable list.

Whitney Knowlton, and Michelle Neufeld, as well as Ed Montak, and Whitney's mother, Susan Brainard were on hand to discuss the non-profit LCARF and its mission "to rescue adoptable animals who are scheduled to be euthanized. Simply put by Knowlton, who has spearheaded this organization for more than a year, "If we don't continue to raise funds, awareness and have the animals we have saved adopted, then the alternative is just unthinkable."

Knowlton explained "We rescue animals that are located in 'KILL' facilities and underwrite the costs of relocating them to 'NO KILL' facilities in hopes of finding them a forever family in a pre-screened loving home."

Books are in each room and are for sale, this bookshelf is holding auction items, including a photograph of Iggy Pop (far right) taken by Jessie Dylan (Bob's son). (Eileen Casey)

Expressing her gratitude to Ortlieb, who underwrote the cost of the entire event from the food, to the location, to the libations, as well as Adoption Coordinator Neufeld, Knowlton stated "This gives us an opportunity to reach out further to more and more people which we hope will result in more and more adoptions." LCARF has successfully handled over 1,000 canine adoptions to date.

Designer Valerie Pasquiou was at the starting gate for the horses that Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue And Sanctuary has undertaken to save and care for. She explained "I have loved horses my entire life, and have been a rider for many years. It is so upsetting and despicable the way these beautiful animals are treated once it is determined they are no longer valuable, that I felt I had to 'speak up' on their behalf, as they have no choice and are unable to speak for themselves. Believe me - I love the dogs too and am happy that we were able to combine efforts for both of these organizations to try and raise as much money and awareness as possible." Pasquiou went on to state "What this organization [AFERS] is doing is really a wonderful thing and I am happy to offer whatever assistance I can - these animals are beautiful."

One of the breathtaking view guests were treated to atop The Cooper Square Hotel. (Eileen Casey)

The mission of AFERS is "To save slaughter bound horses who have exhausted their last hope. [We] rehabilitate and train as necessary and then look for forever homes where the horse will be cherished." As The Hamptons first and only horse rescue and sanctuary, AFERS has taken in 90 horses and assisted hundreds since 2005. The organization's outreach educational programs include Summer Camp, Horsemanship and Riding lessons, and other programs geared to raise funds and fulfill the organization's statement that "We promise the horses their dignity." Typically AFERS cares for 40 to 50 horses at one time.

Iconic 1960s "Mod" model Linda Morand (left) and Susan Brainard (Whitney Knowlton's mother) enjoy the evening. (Eileen Casey)

Volunteer Rachel Ambrosino also stressed "There is just not enough attention being paid to these horses and the terrible manner that they are just forgotten about. We understand the cost involved in being responsible for a horse, but wanted to remind people that these animals need a voice as well, and we need help with time, awareness, money and compassion for these animals."

The German born Ortlieb not only deserves a heartfelt thanks from these organizations but also from all attendees who were treated to breathtaking views atop the 21-story, obelisk-shaped glass tower hotel which opened in December 2008, located about a block from the well known Cooper Union, one of the nation's premiere art, architecture, and engineering schools.

Designed by Carlos Zapata, Ortlieb explained that the hotel, with 145 rooms, has no check-in desk, as he wanted to create an atmosphere where guests felt "like they were coming home." Each room has floor to ceiling windows making for a dramatic statement that would be the envy of any home.

Additional auction items, including signed Joan Jett guitar. (Eileen Casey)

Milan based Antonio Citterio designed the interior of the hotel which is filled with B&B Italia and Eames furniture, and books, books, books - even the penthouse suite offered a wall of books to choose from, albeit difficult to concentrate on reading with the jaw-dropping views, although, cleverly, the books are for sale and proceeds go toward homeless and low-income outreach programs and AIDS prevention.

When asked why he opted to host an event for these two organizations, both located in The Hamptons, Ortlieb relayed "I have always loved horses and dogs, and since we have so many international guests here at the hotel it seemed to be a good blend to bring attention to what these two groups are doing for as many dogs and horses as possible." The hotelier with a heart will also host an event in June in the penthouse for a Bolivian foundation that supports young children and their craftsmanship.

The ladies who made the evening happen: Whitney Knowlton and Michelle Neufeld, and Valerie Pasquiou (right) who represented the Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue And Sanctuary with guest Marcy Warren. (Eileen Casey)

In addition to lending their names, making an appearance at the event, and/or a donation to the silent auction, many bold faced names deserve a thanks as well, including, but certainly not limited to, Bruce Weber, Nan Bush, Kelly Klein, Marty Richards, Marcy Warren, Linda Morand, Garry Gross, Donna Karen, Joan Jett, Jesse Dylan, Tyson Beckford, Miriam Ambrosino, Ralph Lauren, Sean Combs, Justin Silver, Larry and Patricia Zarsky, T.R. Pescod, and Anthony and Barbara Liberatorte.

A wonderful evening for the benefit of two most worthy organizations allowed attendees to relax, enjoy and remember that when able - always pay it forward.

For more information on Last Chance Animal Rescue Fund go to www.lcarf.org.

For more information on Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue and Sanctuary go to
www.forrascal.com.

For more information on the Cooper Square Hotel go to www.thecoopersquarehotel.com.

A welcoming lounge beckoned guests to sit and appreciate the view before and after sunset. (Eileen Casey)