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This article originally appeared on Dr. Mahaney’s Pet-Lebrity News ^[2] column on Pet360.com as Pet-Loving Stars and Philanthropists Party at the HSUS Benefit Gala.

This month, the Humane Society of the United States ^[3] (HSUS) to hosted its annual benefit gala in Beverly Hills. This year’s event benefited the lifesaving work of two key HSUS priorities: Companion Animals – Pets for Life ^[4] and Farm Animal Protection ^[5].

The HSUS is, according to its website, the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization and has been a leading voice for animals for more than 50 years. In 2014, the HSUS provided direct care to more than 176,829 animals and helped get critical pieces of legislation passed, according to its website, which is quite a remarkable feat in any economy.

I’ve previously covered HSUS events, including 2013′s Veg Appetit ^[6], which brings awareness of the importance of reducing the consumption of meat in the American diet (check out the HSUS’s Meatless Monday ^[7] campaign to learn of the health and environmental benefits of eating “meat-less”).

This year’s star-studded event was held at the famed Beverly Wilshire Hotel ^[8]. I covered the red carpet and got up close and personal with many of the celebrity guests, including:

- Ed Asner ^[9], the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning television legend who received a HSUS Lifetime Achievement Award.

- Pia Toscano ^[10], an American Idol Season 10 finalist who and the evening’s slated musical performer.

- James Cromwell ^[11], an esteemed film actor who gave the opening remarks. HSUS features an inspiring interview with Cromwell (The Tale of an Unprejudiced Heart: An Interview with James Cromwell ^[12]) on its website, which highlights is working in hit animal-themed movies like Babe.

- Lauren Lapkus ^[13], one of the costars of this summer’s upcoming Jurassic World.

- Ireland Baldwin ^[14], the daughter of actors Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin, a statuesque model and animal rights activist.

- Frances Fischer ^[15], an esteemed actress and co-star of Titanic, one of the most popular movies of all time.

- Diane Warren ^[16], one of the most prolific songwriters still working today through her company Realsongs ^[17]. She is also an ardent animal welfare supporter.

I couldn’t quite catch every big name involved with the event, but Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Cloris Leachman and Paul Wesley also attended as presenters.

It’s great to see so many celebrities lending their names and public interest to the HSUS cause.  Hopefully, Pets for Life and Farm Animal Protection benefitted thoroughly from the event.

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome.. Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney ^[18]) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets ^[19] on Facebook.