NYC Second Chance Rescue to honor John Paul DeJoria at Bridgehampton benefit

NYC Second Chance Rescue will host its 5th Annual Concert for a Cause on Aug. 21 at a private estate in Bridgehampton, featuring Ashanti and Fabolous while honoring entrepreneur and animal advocate John Paul DeJoria. The event will also mark the world introduction of Pawpoint, a new dog wellness company, as the rescue raises money for animals in need.

Why it matters: - NYC Second Chance Rescue is using its annual benefit to raise funds and attention for animals that are critically injured, medically complex, senior or otherwise hard to place. - The event also gives John Paul DeJoria a high-profile platform to introduce Pawpoint, a new science-based wellness company for dogs. - The concert pairs fundraising with celebrity attention, which can expand visibility for rescue work and animal health products at the same time.

What happened: - NYC Second Chance Rescue will host its 5th Annual Concert for a Cause on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at a private estate in Bridgehampton. - The organization will honor entrepreneur, philanthropist and animal advocate John Paul DeJoria. - Ashanti will headline the evening alongside Fabolous, with an opening performance by Celina Savage. - DeJoria will also introduce Pawpoint at the event.

The details: - NYC Second Chance Rescue was founded in 2009 by Jennifer Brooks and Lisa Blanco. - The organization says it has rescued more than 17,000 homeless, abused, neglected and critically injured dogs and cats. - The rescue focuses on critically injured and medically complex cases, senior and hospice animals, large-breed dogs and vulnerable cats. - Pawpoint is described as a science-based wellness company for dogs. - Pawpoint is designed to target biological pathways linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. - The company says the product is intended to support healthy aging, immune balance, cellular health and overall vitality. - DeJoria said he was honored by the recognition and called the rescue’s work inspiring. - DeJoria also said Pawpoint is "as serious and as real as it gets." - NYC Second Chance Rescue acknowledged support from presenting sponsors Alexander Capital Ventures LLC, Montauk Project and the Phenom Foundation. - The group’s adoption, foster, donation and volunteer information is available at NYC Second Chance Rescue. - The organization is active on Instagram at @nycscr, Facebook as SecondChanceRescueNycDogs and X/Twitter as @nycscr.

Between the lines: - The benefit blends philanthropy, entertainment and product launch messaging in a single event. - Honoring DeJoria fits the rescue’s broader effort to tie animal welfare to business leaders who already have public credibility. - The introduction of Pawpoint suggests DeJoria is expanding into the pet wellness space with a science-forward pitch.

What's next: - Guests at the Bridgehampton event will hear performances, support the rescue and see Pawpoint introduced publicly. - NYC Second Chance Rescue will continue fundraising and adoption efforts through its foster network and Long Island City adoption center. - The rescue says it will keep supporting pets through medical care, rehabilitation and community programs.