Latest news with #StrongIsland
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
After Man Dies Trying to Save Over 160 Cats from Fire, Nearly $1M Has Been Raised for the Cause He Gave His Life for
Over 160 cats died following a fire at a Long Island cat sanctuary on March 31, which also killed the property's owner Multiple organizations have since stepped up to help rescue the remaining missing cats, with dozens soon looking for new homes A GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $800,000 toward the cause Dozens of cats have been rescued, and more than 160 have been found dead, following a blaze at a cat sanctuary on Long Island, N.Y. late last month — as rescuers continue to locate the missing animals. On March 31, following a fire that broke out after 7 a.m. local time, Happy Cat Sanctuary founder Chris Arsenault and several of his cats were found dead at the Medford, New York location, which the 65-year-old owner used as a safe haven for cats since its founding in 2006, per ABC affiliate WABC. Friends told WABC at the time that Arsenault went back into the home to continue rescuing animals from the fire, which according to CBS News, was found to have an "undetermined" cause, meaning arson was not suspected. Now, rescuers are updating locals on the current death toll, as a shelter is hoping to help the cats that survived find new, "loving homes." Related: Cat Feared Dead in L.A. Wildfires Makes Her Way Back to Owner 2 Months Later: 'Never Lose Hope' Frankie Floridia of Strong Island Animal Rescue League and Robert Misseri of Paws of War revealed in a Facebook video on Monday, April 7 — as reported by CBS News — that 54 additional cats were found dead on the property early this week, bringing the total death toll to over 160 cats. Three of those cats were owned by Arsenault himself, they added. "Today has been a gruesome day as far as finding out how many more cats were actually in the house once we got some access," Floridia said. "When we set out this morning, the goal was always to see if there were any injured cats post-fire that went back into the rubble," Misseri added. "Thank God there were no living cats that were injured, but 54 deceased additional cats, over the 100, have been removed. Very difficult for our team here today." Related: 'Precious' Cat Rescued from L.A. Fires Now Recovering in Shelter: 'His Healing Is Coming Along Beautifully' On Tuesday, April 8, Strong Island updated its Facebook followers on the rescue efforts, noting that injured cats were "still being rescued" — including one now named Mittens that Arsenault's daughter decided to adopt "on the spot." Two days later, the nonprofit shared in another update that it was continuing to find animals and reiterated its efforts to leave "no one behind." "We are thankful to all of you who have been with us in spirit on this difficult journey, whether by sending kind words on social media, bringing cards thanking our teams or volunteering to help in some other way," Strong Island wrote. "Your prayers and good wishes have meant more than you can imagine to us, and we remain determined to find every last survivor, in Chris's honor." The recovery of animals remains "underway," according to a statement Happy Cat shared to its website on Thursday. Related: Married Volunteer Firefighters Lose Home and 2 of Their Dogs in Dryer Fire North Shore Animal League America also announced this week that over 50 veterinarians had come together to care for the dozens of surviving cats rescued from the blaze. The animals have been taken to a "temporary facility, where multiple medical stations were set up to provide exams, vaccinations, testing, deworming, and more — everything they need to begin healing and prepare for adoption," per the shelter. "Thanks to our incredible partners, we were able to deliver critical supplies, including vaccines, test kits, sedatives, and treatment products. 💉🩺🧴 Together, we showed what's possible when the animal welfare community comes together in a moment of need." WABC initially reported this week that the more than 180 surviving cats are now up for adoption, with Happy Cat later sharing in a website statement that it has partnered with organizations that are "continuing the work of decompression, socialization, and eventually, adoption." "If you are interested in adopting or helping a specific cat, we will direct you to the partner organization responsible for their care. Each organization will follow its own established adoption screening procedures." A GoFundMe campaign for Happy Cat Sanctuary has since raised over $800,000 as of Friday, April 11. "This has been an incredibly challenging time for all involved," a statement from the Happy Cat board and its volunteers, published Thursday, read. "The scope of this effort is unlike anything we've ever faced, and we are doing our best to ensure each cat receives the care, respect, and attention they deserve. We thank you for your compassion, your patience, and your ongoing support. Please check this page regularly for verified updates, and understand that while we may not be able to respond to every inquiry immediately, we are doing everything possible to stay organized and focused on the animals in our care." Read the original article on People
See - Sada Elbalad
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Lucy Hale to Star in Romantic Comedy "Princess"
Lucy Hale is attached to star in the romantic comedy 'Princess' from 'The Cooler' screenwriter Frank Hannah. Daniel Baur's K5 Intl. has boarded 'Princess' as its international sales agent and will commence sales at Berlinale's European Film Market. The plot centers on a woman who finally meets the man of her dreams, but first, she must contend with her beloved's bulldog, Princess, who has a history of destroying any relationship her owner engages in. The movie is described to be in tone with 'Monster-in-Law'. Principal photography is anticipated to commence in Ireland spring 2025. Best known for her breakout role on the hit series 'Pretty Little Liars,' Hale has gone on to become an international star through films such as the romantic comedy 'Which Brings Me to You,' Vertical's 'The Hating Game' and Sony's 'Fantasy Island.' Hale will star in Lionsgate and BuzzFeed Studios' upcoming action comedy 'F Marry Kill,' which hits theaters March 2025. Two-time Emmy-winning stunt coordinator Shauna Duggins will make her feature directorial debut. She directs on Ryan Murphy's '9-1-1' and directs second unit on 'Yes Day!' and 'Family Switch.' Hale directed second unit 'GLOW,' 'Dexter: Original Sin,' 'The Last Thing He Told Me' and 'The Lincoln Lawyer.' Strong Island's Christopher Tuffin ('Sound of Freedom,' 'Peppermint'), who conceived the story and characters, will produce alongside Emmy nominee Renee Tab of Sentient ('Maps to the Stars,' 'Sound of Freedom'), Amanda Delaplaine (upcoming 'Alphas'), and Ari Novak ('Sleeping Dogs'). Julie Kroll, Nadezda Motina, Aram Ovannisyan, Sophie Delaplaine and Baur will executive produce alongside Todd Slater and Brandon Evans on behalf of Brick Lane, which also serves as the production service company in Ireland. Strong Island's production and finance legal/business affairs will be handled by Jere R. Hausfater and Larry Weinberg.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jean Reno to Star in Tom Edmunds' Action-Thriller ‘The Butler' (EXCLUSIVE)
Jean Reno is attached to headline the action-thriller 'The Butler,' directed by Tom Edmunds ('Dead in a Week: Or Your Money Back'). The stylish period film will deliver a fresh twist on the revenge thriller genre, combining high-octane action with upstairs/downstairs family drama. Additional casting will be announced shortly. More from Variety Boutique Sales Agency Pluto Film Moves Into Production With 'The Melting Mood of Ecstasy' (EXCLUSIVE) Antonia Campbell-Hughes' 'Diamond Sh--er,' Starring Raffey Cassidy, Eva Green, Ben Whishaw and Alessandro Nivola, Picked Up by Beta Cinema Ingrid Torelli, Michiel Huisman and Avani Gregg to Star in Action-Thriller 'Breathe Deep,' Cornerstone Selling at EFM Daniel Baur's K5 Intl., whose recent films include Kevin Costner's 'Horizon: An American Saga,' has boarded 'The Butler' as its international sales agent and will commence sales at Berlinale's European Film Market. Principal photography is anticipated to commence in Ireland early summer 2025. In 'The Butler,' Reno takes on the role of a retired World War I commando who has traded a life of violence for the serene routine of a family butler. When mobsters arrive to collect on an unpaid debt, his tranquil world is torn apart, forcing him to confront his past in a pulse-pounding showdown. Edmunds said: 'With 'The Butler,' we're crafting something truly unique—a period action-thriller that's equal parts 'Downton Abbey' and 'Die Hard.' Jean Reno brings unparalleled gravitas to the role, blending his iconic action-hero credentials with a sense of refinement and humanity that is perfect for this character.' The producers behind 'The Butler' include Christopher Tuffin, Kevin DeWalt, Ari Novak and Kevin Townsend. It is a Strong Island, Brick Lane and Minds Eye production. Tuffin, who has worked closely with Luc Besson's team on several films, emphasized Reno's lasting impact on the genre: 'Without Jean Reno, there is no revenge thriller genre. To work with him on this project is an absolute honor.' Tuffin's producing credits include 'Sound of Freedom,' starring Jim Caviezel, which became a global box office hit, as well as 'Peppermint,' starring Jennifer Garner, with a number of other high-profile projects in the pipeline. He most recently wrapped the high-seas actioner 'Alphas' with XYZ. Amanda Delaplaine, Nadezda Motina, Aram Ovannisyan, Tom Edmunds, Chris Ochs and Andrew Bates will executive produce, alongside Todd Slater and Brandon Evans on behalf of Brick Lane, who also serves as the production service company in Ireland. Strong Island's production and finance legal/business affairs will be handled by Jere R. Hausfater and Larry Weinberg. Reno is repped by CAA and Gateway Management. Edmunds is managed by Strong Island. K5 Intl. continues to build momentum with its varied slate of projects. Their first release, 'Horizon: An American Saga,' debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and enjoyed a theatrical release in 2024, with its second chapter having premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
