When – Wednesday, November 16, 2011 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where -Norwood Club (241 West 14th Street, Between 7th and 8th Aves, New York, NY 10011)
Who – Alan Cumming, John Bartlett, Dylan Lauren, Kelly Bensimon, Fabiola Berecasa, Jane Larkworthy, Lela Rose, John Truex, John Robshaw, Elaine Wrightman, Alvin Valley, among others.

Help By Design was formed earlier this year by Harold Smith and his partner Jim Franzen in response to the devastating earthquake in Japan. Smith, CEO of Sanovo Medical, and Franzen, Managing Director of Atelier-LB NY, had spent ten years in Tokyo and moved to New York City only months before the disaster. Driven to help, Smith, Franzen and their friend, designer Alvin Valley, realized the impact that could be made by rally influencers and friends from fashion and design, together forming a fundraising effort called “Help By Design”. The group’s first fundraiser and silent auction raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the American Red Cross’ tsunami relief efforts.

To sustain this momentum and extend their collective value to other worthy causes, Help By Design began working to identify additional nonprofits in need. Among the group—many dog or cat owners themselves—they share an appreciation for animals and concern for those that are at-risk, homeless or otherwise mistreated. Well-known among the members of Help By Design, Animal Haven was selected for its direct impact in New York City and determined efforts to help, despite an animal’s temperament, age, or medical condition.

Actor Alan Cumming, Menswear Designer John Bartlett and tastemakers from fashion, luxury and design will host the second installment of “Help By Design” at the Norwood Club in New York City on Wednesday, November 16, with all proceeds benefitting Animal Haven. The fundraiser will also feature a silent auction with the opportunity to bid on carefully selected items generously donated by Issey Miyake, Oscar de la Renta, MiN New York, Lisa Mackey, and Lumete, among others. Tickets are $100 and available for purchase online.

Founded in 1967, Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to find homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the tri-state area. They provide critical services including medical care and behavior intervention as well as programs to enhance the bond between animals and people—all to help improve chances for lifelong placement and adoption.

For more info: http://www.animalhavenshelter.org