LOS ANGELES – Farm Sanctuary’s 30th Anniversary Gala brought out the compassion in Angelenos, celebrities, and animal advocates from across the region and country-wide to celebrate 30 years of rescue, education, and advocacy for farm animals, the largest population of abused animals on earth. The Gala took place Saturday evening, November 12, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles.
Comedian Kevin Nealon hosted the formal Gala fundraiser, supported by Farm Sanctuary co-chairs Tracey Stewart and Emily Deschanel. United against farm-animal cruelty, guests sipped on luxury artisan cocktails from The Grand Bevy featuring stenciled art of celeb supporters, then enjoyed a 100% plant-based dinner, custom-designed by the Beverly Wilshire in partnership with Gardein Executive Chef Jason Stefanko.
The heartfelt evening included musician, artist, and entrepreneur Kat Von D accepting the Compassion In Action Award from longtime vegan and award-winning musician Moby. Then Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur presented Chef Tal Ronnen, the founder and chef of Crossroads Kitchen, with the Inspiration Award for his innovation in the field of exceptional vegan cuisine.
MTV’s first Latina VJ, now TV host, businesswoman and, most importantly, animal activist, Daisy Fuentes took the stage to present the Friends, Not Food Award to award-winning singer and songwriter Leona Lewis. As a strong and very vocal advocate, Lewis has stood up for the rights of animals in numerous campaigns, including refusing to perform in places that condone animal cruelty.
The presentation concluded with award-winning comedian and Farm Sanctuary supporter Jon Stewart presenting the Gift of Life Award to Allene Lapides, president of the Allene & Jerome Lapides Foundation, which focuses on animal rights, animal protection, women’s issues, and the environment. Lapides, a longtime supporter of Farm Sanctuary, has been very devoted to the protection of animals, and is making it possible for Farm Sanctuary to open a shelter and educational center in Santa Fe, NM. Jon & Tracey Stewart were last year’s Gift of Life Award honorees, and their acceptance marked the beginning of a journey that includes rescuing a bull named Frank, a horse named Lily, and many other beautiful animals.
Celebrities in attendance included Natalie Portman, James Cromwell, Renee Olstead, Jeff Garlin, Craig Ferguson, Jennifer Coolidge, Kara Royster, Simone Reyes, Sloane Avery, Lesley Nicol, David Mazouz, Jonathan Slavin, and many more.
Guests enjoyed a surprise “Happy Birthday” performance by Leona Lewis and a nostalgic performance by pop icon and recent vegan Richard Marx, who sang “Right Here Waiting” and “Don’t Mean Nothing.” Paddles were raised during an exciting Fund-A-Farm Live Auction to raise money for Farm Sanctuary, and guests shopped a farmers-market-style gift station to cut down on waste and take home the products they will use most. Gifts included Kat Von D Beauty makeup; Love Goodly’s eco-luxury lifestyle box curated by Emily Deschanel; 100% PURE beauty; Live Beaming; a NuCulture Cheese sampling; Wully Outerwear; and more.
Baur, who was recently selected by Oprah Winfrey to be a part of her SuperSoul 100 and who TIME magazine has hailed as “the conscience of the food movement,” is a native Angeleno, growing up in the Hollywood Hills. As a nod to his days traveling across the country selling veggie dogs at Grateful Dead concerts in the ‘80s, Baur’s original VW Westphalia van was parked inside the Beverly Wilshire, serving vegan hot dogs at the after party which ran until midnight.
Farm Sanctuary, with sanctuaries in Watkins Glen, NY, Orland, CA, and the Los Angeles area, works to educate people nationwide about farm animal abuse and the adverse effects of factory farming on our health and environment.
“We’re excited to gather fellow advocates and supporters under one roof to celebrate Farm Sanctuary’s accomplishments over the past 30 years. We’re using this special occasion to applaud how far we’ve come, but also to continue our mission of revealing the truth behind factory-farming practices, saving animals from abusive conditions, and changing how society views and treats farm animals. With tireless advocates and co-chairs Tracey Stewart and Emily Deschanel, we are thrilled to raise awareness and further advance our cause in Los Angeles, country-wide, and beyond,” said Baur.
FARM SANCTUARY’S 30TH GALA PARTNERS
DINNER SPONSORS: Gardein, Kite Hill, Follow Your Heart, Earth Balance
FEATURED “FARMER’S MARKET” BRANDS: Love Goodly, Live Beaming, Obsessive Confection Disorder, Mokulele Farms Kona Coffee, Earth Balance, Hurraw! Balm, Kat Von D Beauty, Bragg’s, So Delicious, Barney’s Almond Butter, Theo Chocolate, Wully Outerwear, NuCulture Cheese, Follow Your Heart, 5Carrots, Michy’s Brownies & Cookies, 100% PURE, DeVita natural skin care, Riley’s Organics Dog Treats, Garden of Life, Red Flower Candles, Parma! and more!
