Families from across the North Shore packed Still Partners for the 10th annual Rabbit Rescue fundraiser, an event that has grown into a community tradition while raising money and awareness for abandoned and abused domestic rabbits.
Founded and organized by Sea Cliff resident Mark Hagan, the event benefits Long Island Rabbit Rescue, a nonprofit that provides medical care, rehabilitation, temporary housing and foster placement for rescued or injured rabbits until permanent homes can be found. This year the event, held on Sunday, raised over $5,000.
Held from 1 to 4 p.m., the fundraiser featured raffle baskets, themed merchandise, photos with the Easter Bunny and the event’s now-signature “ambassador bunnies,” live rabbits supervised for children and families to meet and pet.
“Originally, we just had merchandise to sale and we had an Easter Bunny, we had a little backdrop,” Hagan said. “But it’s evolved now that we have what we call 'ambassador bunnies.’”
Hagan said the fundraiser began as a way to thank the rescue organization for helping his late rabbit, Luci, who was special-needs. The annual event is dedicated in her memory.
The fundraiser also serves as an educational effort around Easter, when rabbit rescues often see a rise in abandoned pets.
“It’s to raise awareness that these are animals,” Hagan explained. “They’re not playthings. They’re not toys.”
He noted that domesticated rabbits are often purchased impulsively during the holiday season and later abandoned when owners are unprepared for the responsibility.
“They get dumped in parking lots and public parks on the sides of roads,” Hagan said. “Most of the domesticated rabbits are not built for being outside, and they die very quickly.”
Former Sea Cliff Mayor Ed Lieberman, speaking on behalf of the Sea Cliff-Glen Head Lions Club, said the organization donated $250 to support the event.
Lieberman said the event aligns with the Lions Club’s mission of service, particularly in creating opportunities for children to connect with nature and learn compassion.
“Bringing young children into a situation where they can explore, where they could learn, where they can appreciate nature and have fun,” he said. “It’s always important smiles on children’s faces.”
Hagan said the strong turnout reflected Sea Cliff’s close-knit spirit.
“Sea Cliff’s a very unique town,” he said. “It’s very community oriented, and everybody chips in.”
