Even the threat of torrential rain couldn't stop some of New York's biggest animal-loving donors, socialites, actors, and editors from showing up for a special evening at the studio of famed artist Peter Max to benefit the Humane Society of the United States' Protect Seals campaign.

Cameras of the paparazzi snapped the evening's co-host, X-Men star Famke Janssen, who wore a t-shirt that read: "Sure Canada is a highly evolved cosmopolitan country, except for their pesky seal clubbing habit." Onlookers could see that her heart was in the right place, as she urged the crowd: "Please do something to save these animals."

Former Miss America Kate Shindle also attended —fresh from filming her first feature film, The Stepford Wives, opposite Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick and Glenn Close. She spent the evening reading literature on the seal hunt in Canada, and confided, "I really have learned a lot about this." Kate bid for silent auction items donated by Qui home furnishings, Lotus restaurant, and twelve dozen Organic Bouquet roses, which she won later that evening.

Co-host and All My Children star Eva La Rue arrived fashionably late but was forgiven on account of her enthusiasm for helping animals. "Anything I can do help animals, I'll be there, " she proclaimed. Eva spotted a rhinestone Alex & Ani designed "FF" necklace on a table and snatched it up saying, "I've heard about these!" The necklaces stand for "Fur Free."

The HSUS's Dr. John Grandy and Pat Ragan emceed the evening before a wall of TV monitors playing images of baby seals. They shared insights on The HSUS's efforts to stop the seal slaughter. Editors from BusinessWeek, People, The Daily, and The New York Post were on hand to learn about the killings as well.

One of the surprises of the evening came from Peter Max himself, who spontaneously offered guests a two-fold surprise: a rare discount on the purchase of his artwork, and the donation of 75% of every purchase to The HSUS. Several guests purchased artwork later that evening.

Invited guests enjoyed a fabulous Veuve Clicquot champagne and Organic Wine Company sponsored bar, and nibbled on vegetarian appetizers from New York City's famed Candle Café.

As the 100-strong crowd began to head home for the evening, many purchased the t-shirt for themselves and friends and the very lucky few who were able to get the remaining FF necklaces left proudly wearing them.