Bridgehampton - The ARF Beach Ball started years ago as an informal clambake organized by a small group of people as a get-together picnic with music blaring from the back of someone's truck on the beach. Now it's one of the top parties of the summer season with dinner and dancing on the ocean in support of a great and noble cause: the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hampton's valiant cats and dogs.

Ellen and Chuck Scarborough with their dog Oliver.

Under a crisp clear night this past Saturday night at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club, they held the annual Gala to benefit the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of the Hamptons. Guests were treated to cocktails, a raw bar, dinner and dancing and a silent auction. Adoptable four-legged guests worked the crowd.

Every year, the Animal Rescue Fund's adoption center finds homes for between 700 and 800 abandoned, homeless or abused animals, said Sara Davison, the Executive Director who noted an increase in the number of homeless pets in the past two years due to the economic crisis.

The silent auction included baseballs signed by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees; tickets to a football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys with VIP access; a Caribbean getaway to the Cap Juluca luxury resort in Anguilla; and a round of golf for four at the Bridgehampton club.

Among the guests were Ellen and Chuck Scarborough, Gale and Ira Drukier, Sandra McConnell and Chris Obetz, Richard Thompson, Jessica and Scott Udell and Zach Udell (Junior Committee) .

Music was by DJ Ness. The event was underwritten by zootoo.com, Chico's, Teton Glacier Vodka, MostlyChocolate.com, and London Jewelers, and concluded with a bonfire on the beach.

All proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. (ARF). The ARF Adoption Center is located in Wainscott and open every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for adoptions. Since its founding in 1974, ARF has found loving homes for over 16,500 cats, kittens, dogs and puppies.

Elizabeth Kaufman, Andy Marshak, Carolina Campbell and Ursula Marshak.