On Saturday, May 17, host Heather Mills, emcee Melissa Rivers and Farm Sanctuary, which operates the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America, will lead an inspiring and elegant evening at the majestic Cipriani Wall Street in New York City to honor farm animals, promote compassion, and enjoy fabulous vegan cuisine. This event will raise vital funds for Farm Sanctuary’s coast-to-coast rescue and advocacy efforts to end factory farming abuses and open hearts and minds to the plight of farm animals.
One of the most unique and enlightening events of the season, the Gala features an award presentation to honor those making a difference for farm animals, a special musical performance by Grammy Award Winning Artist Shawn Colvin, and a farm animal inspired silent auction that honors the powerful work of artist advocates. Heather Mills will don her chef’s hat for the evening as she plans, in concert with Cipriani, a fabulous three-course vegan dinner.
"Farm Sanctuary's Galas are known far and wide in the animal protection movement for their exquisite vegan cuisine," said Heather Mills. "I am so honored to be a part of this process, creating a menu with Cipriani that will open minds and palates to a healthier planet, and also supporting Farm Sanctuary in their ongoing work raising awareness for farm animals."
The growing list of celebrity supporters to join Heather Mills and Melissa Rivers includes Kristen Bell, Rachel Leigh Cook, Jennifer Coolidge, Emily Deschanel, Christine Ebersole, Lisa Edelstein, Susie Essman, Corey Feldman, Richard Kind, Swoosie Kurtz, Vanessa Marcil, Peter Max, Esai Morales, Kevin Nealon, Eric Roberts, Ally Sheedy, Hal Sparks, Loretta Swit, True Whitaker, Persia White, Debra Wilson Skelton, and many more to be announced. They will be joined by key legislators, artists, animal advocates, and public figures in media and culture.
During the award ceremony, celebrity hosts will honor corporate, social and activist leaders, who have taken a stand for farm animals. Awards will be presented to the St. Ignatius School for cultivating compassion, outstanding activist Karen Dawn, friends of Farm Sanctuary’s Hilda Club Todd Denlinger and Denise Goodman, and leaders in compassionate living Sharon Gannon and David Life of the Jivamukti Yoga School.
Vegan chefs and bakeries will shine at the Gala “After Party” with sweets provided by Vegan Treats, Sticky Fingers Bakery, Chef Laura Dardi, Hippie Chick Bakery and Jewels of the Earth Bakery.
The Gala’s Lead Corporate Sponsor, Matt & Nat, will provide their super fashionable, 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable Enviro totes as the gift bags, which will be stocked full with cruelty-free products from Boston Baked Bonz, A Scent of Scandal, Tree Huggin’ Treats, Everyday Gourmet, VegNews, and many more.
Major individual sponsors of the event include John Talbot and Dorr Begnal as Leadership Sponsors, John Archibald and James Costa (planning committee chair) as Underwriters, and Yolanda von Braunhut who is bringing with her a record 63 guests to the Gala.
An RSVP is required for Gala attendance and tickets are $400 per guest. To purchase tickets, inquire about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and offer product donations and auction contributions to support the event, visit www.farmsanctuary.org/gala08/, email gala@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 221.
Photographers interested in covering red carpet arrivals and press interested in attending the VIP press reception can contact abarker@farmsanctuary.org or call 607-583-2225 ext. 256. Press RSVPs and credentials are required.
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.
Contacts:
Tricia Barry, 607-583-2225 ext. 233
tricia@farmsanctuary.org
or
Angela
Barker, 607-583-2225 ext. 256
abarker@farmsanctuary.org
