"A new East Bay animal rescue is launching its first major fundraiser in January, and you'll probably recognize the founder's name. Former Oakland Athletics manager Tony La Russa and his family have started La Russa Rescue Champions, partnering with some high-profile celebrities for a Jan. 25 gala at Walnut Creek's Lesher Center for the Arts. La Russa and his wife, Elaine, have been advocating for animals since starting the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in 1991."
"Unlike ARF, the La Russa family's new endeavor will act as a support system for existing animal rescue organizations. With this new group, we're going to fund grassroots and different organizations, because ARF was just a program we didn't do any grants, says La Russa. The list of musicians, sports figures and other celebrities planned to attend the gala is impressive. Billy Bob Thornton, Dave Stewart and Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows have all committed."
"The big surprise of the evening is the payoff for a bet Stewart made with La Russa several years ago at spring training. I told him at the time, I'm going to hold you to it,' says La Russa. The All Star Band is going to start, and then Stewart comes out, and he's going to be doing two Chris Stapleton songs. He really can sing. You can find more information"
Tony La Russa and his family launched La Russa Rescue Champions and will hold a Jan. 25 gala at Walnut Creek's Lesher Center for the Arts. The new nonprofit will function as a support system by funding grassroots and existing animal rescue organizations rather than operating as a single program. La Russa and his wife Elaine previously founded the Animal Rescue Foundation in 1991 and parted ways with ARF in 2023 after a management disagreement. The gala features prominent musicians, sports figures, military guests, an A's Hall of Fame panel, and live performances including Billy Bob Thornton and an All-Star band set.
Read at www.eastbaytimes.com
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