Cipriani interior adds enchantment to the evening. |
On Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Cipriani in New York City, Farm Sanctuary welcomed more than 500 animal advocates dressed to the nines for a magnificent evening to celebrate the lives of farm animals.
Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman strikes a pose for red carpet photographers. |
The evening began with exciting red carpet arrivals, captured by a record number of photographers and press shooting photos of and interviewing celebrities – all of whom raised awareness about factory farming and sent a message of compassion to the world. The Gala generated plenty of ink, including articles in the New York Daily News, New York Post, New York Observer, and Boston Globe.
Gala chair James Costa poses with host Heather Mills, emcee Melissa Rivers and Congressman Dennis Kucinich. |
Celebrity guests included Gala host Heather Mills, emcee Melissa Rivers (host of "E!" and TV Guide Channel red carpets), and other wonderfully supportive animal advocates like Emily Deschanel (“Bones”); True
Whitaker (Forest Whitaker’s daughter and
vegetarian animal advocate ); Dan Piraro
(“Bizarro” comic); Persia White (“Girlfriends”);
Ally Sheedy (“The Breakfast Club” and “High Art”);
Swoosie Kurtz (“Sisters” and “Pushing Daisies”); Loretta Swit ("M*A*S*H"); Susie Essman ("Curb your
Celebrated artist Peter Max and wife Mary smile big for the cameras. |
Enthusiasm");Lisa Edelstein ("House"); Peter Max, (internationally renowned artist); Russell Simmons (rap mogul); Rory Freedman (author of Skinny Bitch); Dennis Kucinich (U.S. Representative (D-OH)); Kevin Nealon ("Weeds" and "SNL"); Michelle Balan ("Last Comic Standing"); Keisha Whitaker (wife of Forest Whitaker, "Kissable Couture"); and Hal Sparks ("Queer as Folk," "Talk Soup" and "Celebre Cadabra").
Actress Emily Deschanel of “Bones” poses with Gala honoree Karen Dawn. |
A VIP reception opened the evening, where Farm Sanctuary supporters mingled with the glittery crowd of celebrities, artists, corporate leaders, legislators, and key members of the media. Vegan hors d’oeuvres – including Tender Young Artichoke Romana with Pignoli Nuts, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes filled with Garden Fresh Pesto, Vegan Chicken with Spicy Mango Chutney, and Chilled Emerald and Ruby Gazpacho – were passed and Cipriani’s legendary Bellinis flowed while the silent auction area buzzed with excitement as bidders surveyed an array of beautiful farm animal-inspired pieces. Thanks to the generosity of contributors and bidders, this year’s auction brought in thousands of dollars to support our crucial work.
Hilda Club Award recipients Denise Goodman and Todd Denlinger
|
Our celebrity special guests introduced two touching video presentations produced by Joshua Katcher of Perhaps Media: “Maxine’s Dash for Freedom” and a new piece, “It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way.” Both videos illuminate the abuses of factory farming and our vision for a more humane world. Next, a gourmet vegan dinner was presented by Cipriani and Heather Mills, who lent her culinary vision to the night’s menu. The decadent menu began with Signature Cipriani Vegan Chicken Minestrone Soup, followed by Arugula and Heirloom Salad as a second course, Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce and Tomato Ragu as the main course, and Chocolate Torte with Ginger Crunch, Chocolate Sauce and Fresh Raspberries for dessert!
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons and actress Lisa Edelstein of “House” take the stage to honor award recipients. |
After dinner, awards were warmly bestowed upon deserving farm animal advocates. This year, Todd Denlinger and Denise Goodman received the Friends of Hilda Club Award; St. Ignatius School in New York City won the Cultivating Compassion Award; author Karen Dawn was presented with the Outstanding Activist for Farm Animals Award;
and Jivamukti Yoga School Founders Sharon Gannon and David Life were presented with the Leader in Compassionate Living Award.
John Talbot and Dorr Begnal rub elbows with famed comedian Kevin Nealon. |
An unprecedented $1 million pledge from John Talbot and Dorr Begnal, longtime supporters and Boston Baked Bonz founders, added even more excitement to the air and made this Gala our most successful yet!
Susie Essman of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” leads the live auction. |
After the award presentations, Susie Essman took the stage to host a live auction for the animals, featuring a custom portrait by internationally renowned artist Peter Max, once-in-a-lifetime celebrity experiences like backstage passes and tickets to B-52’s and Moby concerts, and even an opportunity to sponsor and name one of our newborn lamb rescues! Heather Mills warmed hearts as she generously bid on this item and named a little sanctuary lamb Beatrice in honor of her daughter.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin serenades her audience. |
The finale of the program – generously and
seamlessly produced by supporter Robert
Kalfin – was a performance by Grammy
Award-winning singer and animal advocate,
Shawn Colvin. She performed a perfect
medley of her hits, including her #1 song, “Sunny Came Home.”
Of course, the sweetest part of the evening was our twilight
reception, featuring a table of sinful and artistic desserts from
Vegan Treats and Jewels of the Earth, where revelers
happily
networked and capped off the evening in celebration of farm animals.
Vegan Treats bakery unveils a stunning Gala-themed cake for dessert. |
We owe our deep gratitude to James Costa
for his creative vision and energy as the 2008 Gala chair. Thank you to ALL who helped make Farm Sanctuary’s Gala a great success for the animals.
GALA PHOTOS
To view our full collection of 2008 Gala photos, and place your order for any copies you may wish to have, please visit our Snapfish albums.
Album 1 – Album 2 – Album 3
Special thanks to Derek Goodwin, JoAnne McArthur and Lesley Marino – our talented team of Gala photographers!
VIEW the new video “It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way” which debuted at the 2008 Gala. Pass it on! |
