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On Christmas Day 2003, Jill Kalfin unwrapped the perfect present from her husband, Robert. It was a book called For Bea, a non-fiction tale of a beagle once used in laboratory research who finds her way into loving arms. Robert thought his wife would appreciate the novel since they had recently rescued their third canine, a former breeding beagle. He didn't realize that their exposure to the world of animal cruelty within the book would start a life of activism and inspire them to become vegetarian.

Deeply moved by Bea's story yet dismayed by the fact that she'd given little thought to the plight of all animals before, Jill set out to explore the recommended websites in the book's appendix. Before long, Robert and Jill became well informed about the problems with zoos, the fur industry, hunting, and, of course, factory farming. Within a few months, the two switched to a plant-based diet, a particular challenge for Robert because, as his wife says, "he has always been a picky eater." However, after learning the facts about industrialized farming and its negative effects on the environment, farm animals and human health, the couple knew there was no going back to their old eating habits.

Supporting the efforts of Farm Sanctuary, Jill and Robert traveled to New York City for our 2004 Gala for Farm Animals, a critical fundraiser for our rescue, advocacy and education programs. Touched by the evening's message, Robert was inspired to volunteer his expertise as a former Broadway stage manager and current producer of corporate events to help with the production and staging of our 2006 Gala, making it one of our best ever! A dancer, choreographer and teacher, Jill was also instrumental in making the last Gala a tremendous success. (Thankfully, the Kalfins plan to help us "wow" the crowd again at this year's event in Beverly Hills.)

Shortly after their first wonderfully helpful volunteer experience with Farm Sanctuary, the Kalfins became adoptive parents not only to one of our beloved pigs, Boots, but also to Alia, a baby girl from China. Alia, in the same likeness as her parents, loves all animals, and is a very happy and healthy vegetarian. It's no surprise, then, that instilling values of compassion and sincerity in Alia and other children is of the utmost importance to Jill. As a dance teacher, she has the unique opportunity to not only ensure that her students grow up healthy and strong, but that they understand what vegetarianism is and know about its impact on the earth, animals and personal health. Focusing on her efforts with the young, Jill developed The Kindness Place, a humane education program for kids aged 3 to 6. The aim of the program, which will be offered in preschools and libraries, is to develop children's competence in the "Earth Arts." These arts, which include Compassion, Respect, Environmentalism, Activism, Truth and Ethics, according to Jill, help "C.R.E.A.T.E. a kind, peaceful, and sustainable world for the future." The Garden State is lucky to have such a dedicated woman cultivating compassion in its little ones, especially since they are in charge of our planet's future.

Jill, Robert and Alia Kalfin, along with their three rescued dogs, Fosse, Gwen and Cyd, are members of a warm and generous family deeply committed to making a profound difference in our world. Thank you, Jill and Robert, for showing us that our personal and professional strengths can be of remarkable use not only in helping us make positive changes in our own lives, but also improving those of our farm animal friends, too.

Together, we ARE making a difference. If you would like to find out more about volunteering your time to educate others about factory farming and vegetarianism, please contact us at activist@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229. Click here to find out what YOU can do to help!