Dog Star Rescue’s ‘Unleashing the Stars’ Gala will be held at the Delamar Hotel in West Hartford on April 18, 2026.

Submitted

Dog Star Rescue invites the community to an unforgettable evening of elegance, compassion, and impact at its signature event, the “Unleashing the Stars” Gala, taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Delamar Hotel in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Hosted by WFSB’s Renee DiNino, this special evening will bring together animal lovers, supporters, and community leaders for a night dedicated to changing the lives of dogs in need. Guests will enjoy a vibrant cocktail hour featuring live entertainment by Phil the Magic Man and DJ Sunny followed by a seated dinner and an inspiring program highlighting Dog Star Rescue’s lifesaving work. Enjoy an exciting afterparty with a special performance by 3G Party Band.

At the Gala, Dog Star Rescue will honor Kevin Ferry and Leslie Gordon with the Community Trailblazers Award, in recognition of their continued dedication to Dog Star Rescue’s mission. O&G Industries will receive the Corporate Impact Award for their incredible support of Dog Star’s work. Additionally, three of Dog Star Rescue’s most successful rescues will receive Stellar Companion Awards as powerful testaments to the impact of Dog Star Rescue’s work.

The evening will also feature a silent auction, live auction, and paddle raise, offering attendees meaningful opportunities to support the organization’s mission while bidding on exclusive items and experiences. For those unable to attend, Dog Star Rescue is offering a special pre-gala raffle featuring a signed Taylor Swift “The Manuscript” CD, beautifully framed in a 24×24 display, available at $100 per ticket.

“As an all-volunteer rescue, events like the ‘Unleashing the Stars’ Gala are critical to our ability to continue saving dogs’ lives,” said Nichole Fortenbaugh, Executive Director of Dog Star Rescue. “Every dollar raised helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and place dogs into loving forever homes.”

Dog Star Rescue has already helped place more than 8,000 dogs into permanent homes, supported by a passionate network and more than 100 adoption events each year. The gala serves as a cornerstone fundraising effort to sustain and expand this vital work.

Event Highlights:

• Cocktail hour and afterparty with live entertainment
• Elegant seated dinner and program
• Silent auction, live auction, and paddle raise
• Inspiring stories of rescue and rehabilitation

Tickets remain available for purchase here.

Community members and businesses are encouraged to get involved and support Dog Star Rescue’s mission to give every dog a second chance.

For more information, sponsorship inquiries, or alternative donation options, please contact Alex Argiris at [email protected].

About Dog Star Rescue

Dog Star Rescue is a Connecticut-based, all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-risk situations and placing them in loving homes. Through rescue, foster care, and community outreach, Dog Star Rescue continues to make a lasting impact – one dog at a time.

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