Actress Katherine Heigl is celebrating the success of a high-profile charity gala at President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort that she says generated millions of dollars for animal rescue efforts.
The Greys Anatomy star, who has largely stepped away from the red carpet over the past two years, made a rare public appearance for the Wine, Women & Shoes Benefiting Big Dog Ranch Rescue fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, over the weekend of March 7, according to the Daily Caller. As reported by the Daily Caller, the event, which also drew President Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump, became a major financial boost for one of the nations largest no-kill dog rescues.
Heigl framed the cause in stark moral terms, underscoring the helplessness of animals caught in an overburdened shelter system. Animals dont vote, she said.
The only room they dont like is the euthanasia room at a shelter. They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own. She added, This event was about animal advocacysomething that has always been deeply personal to me.
Lara Trumps presence at the Mar-a-Lago fundraiser highlighted the growing alignment between conservative circles and private, philanthropy-driven solutions to social problems. The gathering reportedly raised millions of dollars for Big Dog Ranch Rescues work to save animals from abuse, neglect, and overcrowded facilities.
Heigl emphasized that her commitment to animal welfare long predates the current political climate and is rooted in family activism. Anyone who knows me knows that protecting animals is one of my greatest passions. My mother, Nancy, and I have spent years advocating for animals through the Jason Heigl Foundation, she said.
As a society, we should all come together to protect the voiceless and the innocent. Seeking to keep the focus on the mission rather than partisan divides, Heigl added, This should not be a polarizing issue.
She praised donors and attendees for stepping up where government programs and regulations often fall short. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, this event raised over $5 million to help animals in needespecially those who have been abused or neglected. Im so grateful to everyone who showed up, supported, and continues to stand up for those who cant speak for themselves.
Ahead of the gala, Heigl made clear that the effort is aimed at addressing the root causes of shelter overcrowding, not merely treating the symptoms. Our biggest goal right now really is to diminish the number of unwanted litters coming into this country, which is what is overcrowding our shelters, Heigl told the Palm Beach Post before saying our country is overrun with puppy-mill breeders.
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