Publications - Past Sanctuary Features

Fall 2008

Longtime Supporters John Talbot and Dorr Begnal Make Historic $1 Million Multi-Year Pledge to Farm Sanctuary

Longtime Farm Sanctuary supporters John Talbot and Dorr Begnal made history for us this year when they pledged our first ever $1 million gift. This unprecedented multi-year pledge from John and Dorr was first announced at our star-studded Gala for Farm Animals at Cipriani’s Wall Street in New York City on May 17, making the fundraiser the most successful yet and allowing us to reach new heights in our work to end cruelty to farm animals and promote compassionate living.

According to John, founder and proprietor of a successful organic vegan dog bakery called Boston Baked Bonz (www.bostonbakedbonz.com), the idea for the $1 million pledge came about when the couple was anticipating Dorr’s fiftieth birthday and wanted to honor the occasion by giving back. Since their first visit to our New York Shelter in 2003, John and Dorr have given hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless in-kind donations to us, and even funded a new duck and goose barn in honor of their beloved dogs, Daphne and Sebastian. This generosity, which grew out of their profound love for their dogs, is what also eventually led to their ultimate commitment to animal protection with the recent landmark $1 million multi-year pledge.

“I first saw Farm Sanctuary’s founders talk at an animal rights conference in Washington D.C. about eight years ago. I was attracted by their technique of representing farm animals as sentient beings and was really struck by their focus on some of the most atrocious, unnecessary violence in the world: factory farming,” said John. “Over the years, Dorr and I discussed the organization frequently and we continued to observe their work on the periphery. When our dog, Daphne, passed away, we wanted to make a meaningful gift to animals in her honor, and that’s when our close relationship with the farm really began.”

“What is so important to us about Farm Sanctuary is the rescue, education and advocacy work they do. We’d love it if the world would change overnight, but since we know that change is going to be incremental, there are lots of animals who will need help and lots of people who will need to be inspired along the way. Farm Sanctuary is unique in that it satisfies these objectives,” said Dorr. “With that said, records are made to be broken, and we would like to see our pledge inspire other people to bring equal or larger gifts to the table so this powerful work for the nation’s most exploited animals can continue.”

In addition to his and Dorr’s astounding generosity toward Farm Sanctuary, John shows his unerring commitment to all animals through Boston Baked Bonz, his 100 percent cruelty-free bakery, which specializes in healthy, organic vegan treats for dogs.

“John and Dorr are exactly what every nonprofit organization dreams of,” said Susie Coston, national shelter director for Farm Sanctuary. “They are a gift to us that far exceeds the donations. John and Dorr give us friendship and support and are always there for the animals. Whether they are organizing a lunch to show their appreciation for our staff or sending treats for their ‘adopted’ pig, J.D., they give new meaning to the word ‘compassion,’ which is the very heart and soul Farm Sanctuary.”