November 2016 – Last week I attended a charity event in Garden City, New York to benefit two causes close to my heart: autism and pet adoption.

Lord & Taylor in Garden City celebrated its grand reopening by throwing a private red-carpet benefit on November 9th for Life’s WORC Autism Center in Garden City and North Shore Animal League  in Port Washington.

The event was attended by Christie Brinkley and her daughter Sailor Cook, Beth Stern, actor Robert Clohessy (Oz, Blue Bloods), and news personalities including myself, Jodi Goldberg of Fox 5 and Antoinette Biordi of News 12 Long Island. Many local dignitaries were there as well, including Garden City Mayor Nicholas Episcopia and Floral Park Village Trustee Dom Longobardi.

Life’s WORC/Family Center for Autism was founded by Victoria Schneps 46 years ago along with my Fox colleague Geraldo Rivera. Schneps is the editor/publisher of Queens Courier, but her biggest legacy will be this wonderful organization, which provides services to 1400 adults and children with developmental disabilities.  Geraldo also remains involved, and used his time on Season 14 of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause.

The event also benefited North Shore Animal League.  I adopted my beloved dog Hunter from this no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization.  Hunter is 15 and going strong!  There were some adorable puppies on hand at the fundraiser.  I suspect they have already been adopted!

Kudos to Lord & Taylor for its generous commitment to Life’s WORC and North Shore Animal League.  It was a pleasure to meet L&T Executive VP Liz Rodbell and GM Tim Catalano, and I congratulate them on the gorgeous renovation of their popular store.

Patti Ann Browne: Just Jared Lord and Taylor Ribbon Cutting

Lord & Taylor EVP Liz Rodbell, Garden City Mayor Nicholas Episcopia, Lord & Taylor GM Tim Catalano, Christie Brinkley, Sailor Cook, Beth Stern – photo courtesy JustJared.com

Patti Ann Browne with Tina Moreno & Janet Koch of Life's WORC and others at Lord & Taylor private charity shopping event - Nov 2016

Patti Ann Browne with Tina Moreno & Janet Koch of Life’s WORC and others at Lord & Taylor private charity shopping event – Nov 2016

Patti Ann Browne and Robert Clohessy

Patti Ann Browne of Fox News with actor Robert Clohessy (Oz, Blue Bloods) at autism center benefit

Patti Ann Browne on the Red Carpet for Autism Benefit

Patti Ann Browne of Fox News on red carpet at autism center benefit with Christie Brinkley, Lord & Taylor GM Tim Catalano and Beth Stern

Patti Ann Browne and Antoinette Biordi

Patti Ann Browne of Fox News with Antoinette Biordi of News 12 at autism center benefit