On Thursday, Aug. 13, a benefit was held for the The Kaeli Kramer Foundation at The Hay Barn at the Planting Fields Arboretum, honoring Jill Rappaport, host of NBC’s “Best In Shelter.” The event included a wine tasting, live music, food, raffles and a silent auction.
The Kaeli Kramer Foundation was started six years ago by Peter and Linda Kramer following the death of their 19-year-old daughter, Kaeli. Since Kaeli was an avid equestrian and passionate animal advocate, the family set up the foundation in her honor. The foundation operates a horse sanctuary that provides a lifetime care for slaughter-bound horses. The foundation leads Humane Education programs for school children as well as a Life Skills and Animal Care program for developmentally delayed young adults.
The event was co-hosted by The Muttontown Horsemen’s Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving trails and open spaces in and surrounding the Muttontown Preserve. An award was presented to Rappaport for her strong voice in advocating for animal rights.
“Jill has won a number of her honors for her staunch animal advocacy, especially for promoting the adoption and rescue of shelter dogs, cats and horses. In a recent interview, she was asked, ‘what is something worth fighting for?’ She responded, ‘always animals.’ It is in that spirit that we are all here tonight,” said Joanna Sasso, president of the Muttontown Horsemen’s Association.
Linda Kramer spoke next.
“The Muttontown Horsemen’s Association is dedicated to supporting our open spaces in and around the preserve,” said Linda. “The Kaeli Kramer Foundation honors the life of Kaeli and is a tribute to the goodness that was in Kaeli and the goodness that is in each and every one of us. Tonight is our pleasure to honor Jill Rappaport for her tireless work on behalf of all animals.”
She gave some background on Rappaport, including that she has received of the Voice for Animals award from the Humane Society of the United States and she has twice received the Genesis Award.
“As an ASPCA goodwill equine welfare ambassador, she has helped raise awareness about horse slaughter, the plight of America’s wild horses and the abuses in the race horsing industry,” said Linda. “Using her talent as an investigative reporter, Jill saved over 200 thoroughbred race horses in upstate New York who were starved and severely abused.”
“This is such a beautiful award,” said Rappaport. “I met Linda five years ago, and knowing Kaeli’s amazing story, I really believe Kaeli and I were, and are, kindred spirits. I am so deeply honored and touched; this foundation is truly unbelievable. What Kaeli stands for—her legacy will live on forever, not only because of the amazing beautiful woman that she was, but knowing, at that young age, how important it was to take care of our beloved horses.”
Rappaport is also an award-winning animal advocate and bestselling author of several books including People We Know, Horses They Love and Jack and Jill: the Miracle Dog with a Happy Tale to Tell . She had signed copies at the benefit and auctioned them off to guests at the gala.
“If we could learn from our animals, what a wonderful place this would be,” said Rappaport. “I always say, be the person your dog thinks you are.”
Visit www.kaelikramerfoundation.org for more information.
