John Legend’s Surprise Performance Caps Off Fetch Pet Gala’s Record-Breaking Night
HEALTH & BEAUTYENTERTAINMENT
The inaugural Fetch Pet Gala hosted by Fetch Pet Insurance at the Carlyle in New York City raised over a half of million dollars in one night.
The inaugural Fetch Pet Gala, hosted by Fetch Pet Insurance at the prestigious Carlyle in New York City, was already a success, having raised over half a million dollars for lifesaving animal nonprofits. But the evening’s festivities reached an unexpected and unforgettable climax when EGOT winner John Legend delivered a surprise intimate performance at the official after-party.
The gala itself, held on October 20, 2025, was conceived as an elegant convergence of philanthropy, entertainment, and a deep dedication to animal welfare. Proceeds from the evening were directed toward four crucial non-profits: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Barks, Project Street Vet, and Wags & Walks. These organizations work tirelessly to ensure pets and their owners have access to essential support, safe shelter, and medical care.
The main event was a showcase of Broadway royalty. Throughout dinner, attendees were treated to unforgettable sets from Tony Award-winning masters of ceremonies, Bernadette Peters and Sutton Foster, along with fellow Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr.
Odom Jr. set a soulful tone, opening with a rendition of Roberta Flack’s “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” before closing his set with the stirring Hamilton ballad, “Dear Theodosia.” Sutton Foster charmed the audience with playful tributes to her own rescue pets, including an original witty parody, "Mabel This Time," alongside classics like "The Nearness of You." Broadway icon Bernadette Peters captivated the room with a trio of Stephen Sondheim classics before joining Foster for a jubilant duet of "Old Friends."
However, it was the transition to the Fetch Pet After Party, presented by modern dog food brand Kismet, that delivered the night’s biggest surprise. Guests were stunned when John Legend—co-founder of Kismet alongside his wife Chrissy Teigen—took his seat at the piano. His intimate, unannounced set transformed the late-night gathering into a private concert, providing the perfect crescendo to a night celebrating compassion, community, and connection.
Kismet, the presenting sponsor, played a lead role in shaping the evening’s mission, building on their core commitment to equitable pet care and high-impact philanthropy. "This night was more than a gala—it was a celebration of what's possible when purpose and performance come together,” said Mathé Young Mosny, Kismet's CEO.
The philanthropic spirit was visible even on the "Green Carpet," where rescue pups from North Shore Animal League America strutted alongside celebrities, showcasing Collars for Cause™ custom-designed by fashion luminaries like Jeffrey Banks and James Taffin de Givenchy.
As Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, acknowledged, the generosity of the night—from the performers and sponsors to the surprise appearance by John Legend—"fuels real impact," helping countless people and their beloved furry friends find care and comfort across the country. The gala successfully showcased the powerful impact achieved when entertainment, innovation, and a collective love for animals come together.