Andrea Stark with Sir Darius Brown
Andrea Stark Has Helped Transform Tri-County Animal Rescue’s Annual Peppermint Bark & Brunch Event Into a Signature Affair
In a world often indifferent to animal suffering, Andrea Stark has made it her life’s mission to give a voice to the voiceless. As chair of Tri-County Animal Rescue’s annual Peppermint Bark & Brunch, Stark has helped transform the Boca Raton–based nonprofit into one of South Florida’s leading no-kill animal shelters. Under her passionate leadership, the annual event—now in its 11th year— has grown into a signature Palm Beach affair that blends glamour, generosity, and a heartfelt cause.
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Peppermint Bark & Brunch returns to the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The event is set to offer an unforgettable day of cocktails, shopping, music, and, of course, four-legged companions dressed to impress. Chaired by Adrien Arpel, Andrea Stark, Diana Retzer, Sher Kasun, Farley Rentschler, and Judy Messing, this year’s celebration will honor Florida State Representative Meg Weinberger for her work in animal welfare and Sir Darius Brown, the 19-year-old founder of Beaux & Paws—a company that makes bow ties for shelter animals to help look more attractive to them get adopted.
“One of my passions in life is rescuing and saving dogs from euthanasia,” Stark says. “Last year alone, in 2024, three million dogs were euthanized because they were in high-kill shelters.” We are in a crisis now. More dogs have been surrendered, abandoned, and abused than ever before.”
For Stark, animal rescue is not simply a cause—it’s a calling. As chair of Tri-County Animal Rescue for over seven years, she has witnessed the heartbreak and hope that define the organization’s mission. “Susie Goldsmith, who founded Tri-County, has single-handedly saved so many dogs and cats because she refused to let it be anything other than a no-kill shelter,” she says. “There are so many animals out there that are wonderful and just need a foster or a permanent home. Adopt, don’t shop—that’s my message to everyone.”
Tri-County Animal Rescue has saved over 90,000 animals to date, providing care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity for a forever home. It also runs community programs that provide food and supplies. Thanks to a new initiative championed by Stark and her husband, John, called “The Andrea and John Stark Free Veterinary Fund for Those in Need, they also offer free veterinarian services for families who otherwise couldn’t afford care. “People can’t afford their dogs anymore,” she explains. “Why don’t billionaires or celebrities step up and help establish more no-kill shelters? Instead of another over-the-top purchase, help these animals.”
Among this year’s honorees, Sir Darius Brown stands out as an embodiment of compassion and creativity. At just 19, Brown has already been recognized by President Obama and received the prestigious Gates Scholarship for his academic and philanthropic achievements. His college tuition is paid in full. “I read about him when he was only 14 in People magazine,” Stark recalls. “He has a learning disability andwas raised by a single mom, and started making bow ties to help shelter animals look more adoptable. I met him five years ago, and I was so inspired that I personally paid for him and his mom to fly down for this year’s brunch.”
Brown’s mission excellently aligns with Stark’s belief that small acts of kindness can spark massive change. “He’s written a book, he makes ‘wag bags’ for people who adopt dogs, and he’s proof that one person—no matter how young—can make a difference. Sir Darius Brown is a role model for the youth, who we hope will be inspired to volunteer in shelters and help our animal friends,” she says.
The other honoree, Representative Meg Weinberger, is equally committed to animal advocacy, a quality Stark deeply admires. “I know she’s making a difference,” Stark says simply.
Despite the joy of rescue, Stark’s work often exposes her to unthinkable cruelty. She’s in constant contact with animal rescuers across the country—heroes she says inspire her daily. “There’s KrisKelly in California—her house burned down, but she still keeps rescuing dogs and posting about cases of abuse so people can help,” Stark says. “There’s the real Paul Mueller, who actually posts videos about animal abuse and helpsgets people held accountable and follows their court cases. And Lee Asher, who started the Asher House sanctuary in Oregon—he’s saved thousands of dogs who otherwise would have been euthanized from high kill shelters.”
But even with these efforts, she says, the need is overwhelming. “Some shelters euthanize dogs daily. In California—Carson City, Apple Valley, Lancaster—it happens every single day. We’re trying to educate people and turn these kill shelters into no-kill ones. That’s our mission,” she explains.
Stark doesn’t mince words when it comes to the darker realities of animal cruelty. “In Los Angeles, on Skid Row, they’re burning dogs alive and injecting them with drugs,” she says, her voice breaking. “It’s beyond horrifying. People don’t want to believe it’s happening, but it is. That’s why we have to keep shouting, louder and louder.”
Still, the annual Peppermint Bark & Brunch remains a day of light—an opportunity to celebrate compassion while raising crucial funds for a good cause. Guests can sip cocktails, browse holiday boutiques, pose for photos with their pups, and enjoy a lavish brunch accompanied by live music from Danny Beck. “We have about 260 to 280 guests this year,” Stark says. “It’s fun and festive, but it’s also about giving back. Thanksgiving and Christmas are about gratitude—and spreading love.”
The event has evolved over the years into a beloved Palm Beach tradition, uniting animal lovers, philanthropists, and advocates under one roof. Tickets are $450, and every penny benefits Tri-County’s lifesaving programs.
As Stark reflects on her work, she keeps her message simple yet profound: “These are our furry children,” she says. “We must give a voice to the voiceless. We can make a difference—by adopting, by fostering, by caring, and by speaking out.”
As Barack Obama once said in a letter to Darius, “As long as you stay engaged in the world around you, continue looking for ways to help others, and never give up on yourself, I’m confident your future will be bright. Know that I’m rooting for you in all you do, and I wish you the very best.”
In her world, every rescued dog is a victory, every adoption a love story and a freedom ride. Andrea believes that every soul that is saved is a step in the right direction.