The founder and president of Animal Zone International, Paola Mieli, along with members of the AZI board, welcomed over sixty guests to the 10th Anniversary Gala Benefit and Auction at Restaurant Via Emilia in New York City on Wednesday, November 15th, 2017.

Dr. Mieli gave a moving speech concerning the work that AZI has done on the island of Amorgos in the last ten years. She spoke eloquently of the veterinarians and volunteers whose dedication has drastically changed the lives of so many neglected, homeless and abused animals.

AZI also plays a crucial role in educating and changing the attitude of the community. The goal of our organization is to strengthen, support and expand these initiatives so that the project may someday be spread throughout the islands of the Cyclades.

There was a spirit of camaraderie among the many who had gathered in order to raise funds for the very same animals of Amorgos whose images were displayed throughout the night in a beautiful video presentation. We want to thank our distinguished guests for their company, Alberta Vita among them. For the music that graced the evening, led by pianist Jed Distler and violinist Stamatis Giannakopoulos, we offer our gratitude. Additionally we offer our thanks to the many supporter who donated beautiful artwork and luxury items that made our silent auction a resounding success.

Founded in 2007, Animal Zone International is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the environment as well as of the animals of Amorgos. AZI works tirelessly with the community to develop a model for Greek animal welfare and it has established the island’s first veterinary clinic providing free or low-cost medical care and spay and neuter surgeries.

Thank you to all who attended as well as all others who join our cause from afar!

Photography by Peppe Carincola, who kindly donated his work to AZI.