October 29, 2009 (Port Washington, NY) – North Shore Animal League America is set to roll out the Green Carpet for celebrities and their pets at its upcoming, star-studded party, the Fourth Annual DogCatemy Celebrity Gala presented by Purina One® brand pet food. The event, taking place November 5, 2009 at Cipriani Wall Street, NYC, guarantees plenty of eye-catching fashion in the room, topped by some dazzling designs for the animals as part of the evening's "Dollars for Designer Collars" project.

Hosted by award-winning journalist, author and host of Fox News Channel's Geraldo at Large, Geraldo Rivera, with a performance by singer-songwriter Diane Birch, whose debut album with S-Curve Records is entitled Bible Belt, the gala features a truly unique auction. It showcases an array of one-of-a kind pet collars created by some of the most illustrious names in the design, fashion and jewelry worlds. Bidders have the opportunity to dress their animals in collars created by designers including Betsey Johnson, Nicole Miller, Isaac Mizrahi, Byron Lars, Stephen Dweck, Lela Rose, Alexis Bittar, Carmen Marc Valvo, Yigal Azrouel, Anna Sui, Christie Brinkley, Marc Bouwer, Lela Rose, Colette Malouf and many more.

The designs are part of the "Dollars for Designer Collars" project. The Animal League invited pet-loving designers to create animal collars, merging their artistic brilliance with their love of animals and desire to help the Animal League, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, save the lives of homeless animals.

The "Dollars for Designer Collars" designs range from fantasy-inspired jewel-encrusted bands to biker looks, circlets of flowers, beads, woven fabrics and sea-shells and all bear the designers' labels and signatures. Isaac Mizrahi volunteered his design: "I loved this project because a dog has style no matter what he/she wears, especially a mixed breed. It's one of a kind couture."

Christie Brinkley, who fabricated a shell design, offered a tongue-in-cheek commentary on her work, saying that she created her collar for a female dog with a busy lifestyle. "It's a versatile collar she can wear from the feeding bowl, to those long walks on the beach, and still feel confident, knowing that she always looks appropriate! Shell-encrusted, so she looks right at home in the Hamptons, yet perfect for resort too!"

Marc Bouwer, known for his sumptuous creations, said about his original contribution to "Dollars for Designers Collars, "I love designing for dogs! You can create anything you want and they will wear it wide-eyed and lovingly without criticism and complaints!"

American designer Byron Lars added his take on the assignment saying "faux pearls, cameos and the k-9 as muse all conspired to provide tail wagging design bliss for me, as well as a little something special for a discerning, demure, deserving and young (even if only at heart) pooch."

Rebecca Taylor described her motivation for her pet collar: "I designed this one-of-a-kind collar for North Shore Animal League because it's such a special organization. Its mission to rescue and care for thousands of animals across the country is one that I hold close to my heart. As a dog and cat owner I really enjoyed designing my collar to reflect the Rebecca Taylor aesthetic. Everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their life!"

In addition to the fabulous collars, to be displayed at the Gala, the auction features a selection of "experience" offers with animal-loving celebrities, luxury pet items, and jewelry. Among the "experience" items are a tour of Sirius Radio studios and an opportunity to sit in on a taping of the Howard Stern Wrap-Up Show, lunch with Law & Order:SVU star Diane Neal, memorabilia from sports greats, including Monica Seles and Mohammed Ali, along with jewelry, art and pet luxury items.

Animal League supporters may submit bids for the items now through November 12, 2009. To view the auction lots or attend the DogCatemy Celebrity Gala, visit www.AnimalLeague.org.