Current Press Releases

Activists, Legislators, Celebrities Gather to put Farm Animals in the Spotlight

New York, NY - October 19, 2002 - This year's 2002 Gala for Farm Animals, hosted by Farm Sanctuary, shined a bright light on farm animals, reaching millions with a message of compassion and raising critical funds for Farm Sanctuary's rescue and protection campaigns.

Dedicated advocates were honored for their tireless efforts speaking out to give farm animals a voice. Former California state pro tem David Roberti was presented with a Legislative Friend of Farm Animals Award for his years of activism, and his success in passing the first-ever farm animal protection legislation in California. Hats off to Emmy nominee Wendie Malick of "Just Shoot Me," presented with an Emmy for Animals Award for her longstanding commitment to animals everywhere. For her advocacy work, including her new PSA, which debuted at the Gala teaching people that farm animals have feelings and deserve protection, a Friends Not Food Award was presented to "NYPD Blue's" Charlotte Ross. A highlight of the evening was a special award presentation to one of Farm Sanctuary's earliest supporters. Kim Basinger was presented with the Gift of Life Award by Host James Cromwell for her many years of support and dedication to farm animals, including her own adopted friend Henry, a cow at Farm Sanctuary's California shelter.

Hollywood stars such as Daryl Hannah, Noah Wyle, Dana Daurey, Tom Lenk, Loretta Swit and more spoke out against the abuses of factory farming, through several national news stories including People, US Magazine, NY Daily News, the Boston Globe and many more! Farm Sanctuary also presented guests with an enlightening and inspiring trip down memory lane with our new video "Thinking Outside the Crate: Farm Sanctuary, The First 15 Years." This video documents landmarks of the farm animal protection movement, an encouraging look at the victories behind us, and the challenges ahead.

A smashing performance by Gretchen Wyler, a "Medley for the Animals" and the ballad "Not While I'm Around" from the Broadway musical "Sweeny Todd," lit up the evening in celebration of all animals. The silent auction, featuring artwork inspired by many of Farm Sanctuary's own rescued animals and unique items such as a 1906 edition of Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," proved to be a popular attraction among guests and raised thousands of dollars for farm animal rescue and protection campaigns. The four-course gourmet vegan dinner - featuring a mock caesar salad, scrumptious seitan au poivre with rosemary roasted potatoes, and decadent chocolate caramel cheesecake - won our guests over, sending home several new vegans! Guests also received a fun bag of goodies full of educational resources, from our new Life Behind Bars video to the Tofu Cookery cookbook and vegan items to sample.

To complete the evening, heartfelt thanks were given to hardworking MC's. James Cromwell received a special painting of himself with a Farm Sanctuary pig by artist Peter Max, presented by his friend and fellow animal supporter Emmy winner Doris Roberts from "Everybody Loves Raymond." Artist Sue Coe presented Linda Blair with a touching portrait of Linda and her "Ladies," chickens she personally rescued and provides lifelong care for at her LA home. Thanks to many caring animal advocates, on this night ... farm animals were heard.

Contact Farm Sanctuary at 607-583-2225 ext. 229 for more information. A copy of the 2002 Gala Video will be available for purchase in the coming months, and photographs from the event are available at www.farmsanctuary.org.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.