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Yappy Hour 2025

July 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

What a night to remember! Yappy Hour 2025 exceeded all expectations, bringing together our incredible community of supporters for an unforgettable evening at the beautiful ‘Beaulieu’ estate. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Dede Wilsey for graciously opening her home to us and creating such a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

With nearly 300 attendees, the event was filled with energy, laughter, and, of course, furry friends in search of loving homes. The evening raised $640,000, making it the most successful fundraiser in Potter League’s 96-year history. A key moment of the evening was the “Paw Raise,” which raised a significant portion of the funds for the animals. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of Anne Hamilton, whose long-time dedication and heartfelt passion for the animals played an essential role in making this moment so impactful. We are incredibly grateful for her continued commitment to our mission. These funds will provide essential medical care, surgeries, and rehabilitation for the animals in our shelter. As veterinary care and treatment costs continue to rise, these funds are more critical than ever in ensuring we can continue offering the care that animals need before they can find their new homes.

We also extend our deepest thanks to our honorary chairs, Dede Wilsey & John Peixinho, whose ongoing generosity and commitment to our cause inspire much of the success we see. We are truly grateful for their involvement and unwavering support of the Potter League. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated committee co-chairs—Dory Benson, Andrea Breyer, Katie Gewirz, and Amy Harden—whose tireless work, passion, and vision made this event truly special. Their efforts ensured everything came together seamlessly, and we are so grateful for their dedication.

We are also incredibly grateful to our “2025 Party Animals,” volunteers, and staff for their unwavering commitment. A special thank you goes to our in-kind sponsors: Pranzi Tents & Events, Glorious Affairs Boutique Catering and Event Design, Wild Season Florals, Photography by Jessica Pohl, Gold’s Wine and Spirits, Two Bullyz Brand Development Beverage Consulting, VELO Vodka, Perfection Valet Parking, and Dr. Robert Bekkers for his musical performance.

Thank you once again to everyone who attended and supported this incredible evening. Your generosity ensures that we can continue our mission and provide the love and care that these animals deserve.

P.S. Here’s a sneak peek of the event photos—stay tuned for even more coming soon!


2025 Party Animals

Honoring the Generosity and Dedication of
Dede Wilsey & John Peixinho

Committee Co-Chairs
Dory Benson, Andrea Breyer, Katie Gewirz, & Amy Harden

Best in Show

Sarah Schochet Henken & Darrah O’Connor
Eaddo & Peter Kiernan
Kim & Jerry Kirby
Edith McBean
Christine & Steve Schwarzman
Hope van Beuren
Dede Wilsey

Community Guardian

The Lola Ruth Giving Fund

Devils River Trust

John Peixinho

Cathy & Jeffrey Siegal

Helene & Archie van Beuren

Andrea van Beuren & Roger Kass

Compassionate Companions

Holly Bannister & Douglas Newhouse

Dory & Dan Benson

Barbara & Duncan Chapman

Leslie R. Grosvenor

Anne & Matt Hamilton

Ala & Ralph Isham

Charlotte & Paul Marshall

Stephanie McLennan

Ann & Sam Mencoff

Sue & George Petrovas

Topsy Taylor

Joan Tobin

Virginia Treherne-Thomas

Barbara van Beuren & Stephen Glascock

Sharon & Bill Wood Prince

Animal Advocates

Amy & Tim Berkowitz

Meg & Doug Braff

Andrea & Bill Breyer

Madeline & Dennis Durkin

Katie & Steven Gewirz

Allison & Don Gulbrandsen

Amy & Paul Harden

Ana Paula & Mark Watson

Karl F. and Teryn B. Weintz Foundation

Cat’s Meow

Robert Devine & Patrick Dolat

Connie & Peter Geisler Sr.

Sherri & Jack Grace

Eleanor & Gray Hamilton

Laura & Miles Hamilton

Samantha & Crawford Hamilton

Suzett & Sam Hamilton

Ginny & Guy Millner

Sally & Ken Ohrstrom

Emily & Clay Rives

Wag Worthy Champion

Margaret Arpin

Dan Drake & Elliot Stultz

Sherry & Kenneth Fardie

Cleo & Michael Gewirz

Leslie Godridge

Wendy & Ed Harvey

Elizabeth & Robert Hay

P. Christopher Kelly

Sheila & Thomas Lang

Susan Behan & Richard Loebs Jr.

Marni & Oliver Parker

Diana Prince

Katie & Bob Qutub

Betsy & Frank Ray

Linda Sawyer & John Harris

Suzette Schochet

Charlotte Wagner

Kitten Kaboodle

Jan Gordon
Judy & Howie Naugle


Interested in Supporting the Event?
To explore leadership giving opportunities and help make Yappy Hour a truly meaningful evening, please contact Heather Ruhsam, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at hruhsam@potterleague.org or (401) 846-0592 ext. 116.

We look forward to sharing this memorable evening with you, all in the name of our furry friends!

Details

Date:
July 20
Time:
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Categories:
,

Organizer

Heather Ruhsam
Phone
4018460592
Email
hruhsam@potterleague.org

Venue

“Beaulieu”
614 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
401-846-0592
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