Show-stopping performances and heartfelt stories lit up New York City’s legendary Café Carlyle during the inaugural Fetch Pet Gala, hosted by Fetch Pet Insurance. More than $530,000 was raised October 21, 2025, to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Barks, Project Street Vet and Wags & Walks, providing vital medical care, safe shelter and essential support for pets and the people who love them.

The evening featured Tony Award winners Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster and Leslie Odom Jr. delivering breathtaking performances.

Odom brought his velvety voice and the timeless charm of a classic crooner as he opened with Roberta Flack’s signature hit, “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,” and his original song, “Loved.” Then, in a moment that felt almost like a collective prayer, he offered a delicate a cappella rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” seamlessly transitioning into one of his fan-favorite numbers from Hamilton, “Dear Theodosia.”

Foster dazzled with her irresistible warmth and radiant vocals in “If I Were a Bell” from Guys and Dolls. She then shared stories of her rescue pets – her affectionate, clingy queen Mabel and her quirky, unpredictable pup Brody – before dedicating a series of songs in their honor. For Brody, she delivered a hilarious, high-energy take on Ella Fitzgerald’s “Undecided.” And for Mabel, she offered a tender rendition of “The Nearness of You,” followed by a clever parody of a Cabaret classic – “Mabel This Time” – as a loving ode to her adoption story.

Peters showcased her legendary blend of strength and sensitivity in a trio of Stephen Sondheim songs. She began with the rarely performed “(They Ask Me Why) I Believe in You,” followed by a hauntingly poignant “Losing My Mind” from Follies. In the titular song from Anyone Can Whistle, Peters infused every lyric with nuance and emotional depth. 

To close out the evening, Foster returned to the stage to join Peters for a jubilant duet of “Old Friends” from Merrily We Roll Along.

The festivities continued at the Fetch Pet After Party presented by Kismet, where guests were surprised by John Legend, who delivered a show-stopping piano set. His intimate performance transformed the elegant evening into a private concert, providing the perfect crescendo to a star-studded night celebrating compassion, connection and community.

Rescue pups from North Shore Animal League America strutted the Green Carpet, presented by Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, alongside celebrities, influencers and four-legged guests wearing Collars for Cause, custom designed by Jeffrey Banks, James Taffin de Givenchy, Josie Natori, Irene Neuwirth and Stefania Pramma. Proceeds from the collars will benefit the gala’s charities and be featured in Heritage Auctions’ Holiday Luxury Accessories Signature Auction on December 4, 2025.

The evening was presented by Kismet, a modern dog food brand rooted in science-backed nutrition and giving back, co-founded by longtime dog parents and advocates Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and guided by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Kwane Stewart, with support from Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and SATELLAI. 

Tito’s Handmade Vodka was a sponsor of the gala. The partnership between Fetch Pet Insurance and Broadway Cares was initiated by The Erlick Group, a leading sponsorship agency since 1992. The event highlighted the power of community, entertainment and philanthropy coming together to make a tangible impact for pets in need.

About Fetch Pet Insurance

The inaugural gala is just the latest example of Fetch Pet’s dedication to giving back to the community. In addition to offering the most complete pet insurance coverage in the U.S. and Canada, they’ve also donated over $5.8 million to support no-kill shelters across North America. To see more from the gala green carpet, check out Fetch Pet Insurance on Instagram or Facebook.

Photos by Craig Barritt