Animal Acres 2007 Gala - A Night to Remember

Where do celebrities gather with cows and pigs? The Animal Acres Gala, of course! Animal Acres hosted its star-studded Gala on Saturday, August 25th at our sanctuary, and it was without a doubt, one of the most unique and successful gatherings ever held for farm animals.

Gala Chairperson Jorja Fox

Hosted by Gala Chairperson Jorja Fox, other celebrity presenters and guests included Dave Foley, Dominic Scott Kay, Constance Marie, William McNamara, Charlotte Ross, Debra Wilson Skelton, Eric Szmanda, Mariana Tosca, Marc Vann, Jane Velez-Mitchell, and Persia White, along with numerous other Celebrity Host Committee Members who lent their name and support for Animal Acres.

Dominic Scott Kay & Roscoe

The festivities began at 5:00 pm with "dressed to impress" guests in tuxedos and gowns meeting and mingling with celebrity hosts, award recipients, and the sanctuary's "guests of honor" - rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, sheep and goats! Gala guests then gathered in the sanctuary rose garden to enjoy a gourmet dinner sponsored by Wholesome and Hearty Foods. The menu was to "live for" and included pistachio encrusted "chicken" with a "lobster" mushroom beurre blanc sauce, fingerling potatoes, and braised spinach. Decadent vegan desserts provided by Buykind.com included Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Fudge Frenzy, a chocolate and raspberry layered cake, and Tiramisu, an espresso-infused layered Italian sponge cake with cashew-coconut whipped crème. Outrageously delicious!

Our "Stars for Farm Animals" award program honored individuals and corporations who have made outstanding contributions through their commitment to the cause of protecting farmed animals and promoting compassionate living choices. In honor of Animal Acres supporter Daryl Hannah, all of the awards were trees, which will be planted at our sanctuary to provide shade for the sanctuary animals. Award recipients included Joe Connelly, founder of VegNews magazine; Gil Michaels, noted philanthropist for animals; Frank Allen, President of ACI: Animal Cruelty Investigations; and Esti Miller, corporate counsel for Animal Acres.

The Gala opened hearts and minds to the plight of farm animals, and included a special announcement that made everyone soar! The Gala premiered the new corporation, ACI: Animal Cruelty Investigations, the first humane enforcement corporation in California devoted to farm animals. Visit: www.ACInvestigations.org for more information.

Animal Acres hosts its annual Gala to shine the spotlight on farmed animal protection issues, and raise needed funding for our rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. This year, the Gala surpassed our expectations by raising over $150,000 for emergency rescue and humane enforcement programs for suffering farmed animals!

Our heartfelt thanks to Chef Tal Ronnen for an outstanding catering job, our generous compassionate corporation sponsors, dedicated volunteers, celebrity hosts, and our Gala guests, for making the Animal Acres 2007 Gala shine for farmed animals!

Constance Marie & Lorri Bauston	Dave Foley & Mariana Tosca
Dave & Alina Foley meet Kirby	William McNamara & Charlotte
Persia White	Eric Szmanda
Charlotte Ross cuddles with her namesake, "Charlotte"!	Lorri Bauston and Debra Wilson Skelton