Past Galas

2002 Gala Photos | 2002 Gala Media Clips

Dedicated farm animal advocates gathered to honor those who have fought tirelessly in farm animals' defense, and given a voice to animals on factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses. Former President Pro Tem of the California State Senate David Roberti was honored with a Legislative Friend of Farm Animals Award for his years of activism, and his success in passing precedent-setting legislation protecting downed animals at stockyards and slaughterhouses in California. Our hats went off to Emmy nominee Wendie Malick of "Just Shoot Me," presented with an Emmy for the Animals Award for her longstanding commitment to animals everywhere.

We were also proud to present the Friends Not Food Award to "NYPD Blue's" Charlotte Ross for her advocacy work, including her new PSA, which debuted at the Gala, teaching people that farm animals have feelings and deserve protection. A highlight of the evening was a special award presentation to one of Farm Sanctuary's earliest supporters ... Kim Basinger, who was presented with the Gift of Life Award by Host James Cromwell, in recognition of her many years of dedication to farm animals, including her own adopted friend Henry, a cow at Farm Sanctuary's California shelter.

Hollywood stars such as James Cromwell, Linda Blair, Daryl Hannah, Noah Wyle, Dana Daurey, Doris Roberts, Denise Faye, Lyndsy Fonseca, Tom Lenk, Loretta Swit and many more spoke out against the abuses of factory farming, raising awareness across America about the need for farm animal protection through several national news stories including Celebrity Justice, People, USAToday.Com, NY Daily News and The Boston Globe. Farm Sanctuary also presented guests with an enlightening and inspiring historical piece -- 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 that lie ahead.

A performance by Gretchen Wyler -- a "Medley for the Animals" and the ballad "Not While I'm Around" from the Broadway musical "Sweeney 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 Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, and decadent Chocolate 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 a variety of vegan food items to sample.

To complete the evening, we gave our heartfelt thanks to our hardworking MC's. James Cromwell received a special painting of himself with a Farm Sanctuary pig by artist Peter Max, presented by his friend, fellow animal supporter and 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.

With a strong show of support from activists, celebrities, legislators and businesses from coast to coast -- the event raised signficant funds and awareness, giving hope to farm animals everywhere for a future free of suffering. Thank you to everyone who came out to make this major event for farm animals possible. On this night, farm animals were heard, thanks to you!

The centerpiece of the evening, the little pink pig, was with us too ... mingling about the reception with guests, a reminder to us all of the true honorees -- our pig friends.