In an increasingly digital world full of remote work and Zoom calls, the chance to come together and connect is more valuable than ever. On Saturday, February 11, we gathered with 129 incredible supporters at our Acton, California sanctuary to celebrate love in all its forms –– with the help of our rescued animal friends.

The bright and sunny afternoon in Acton started with sanctuary time – a time to meet and connect with sanctuary residents. For many, this was a reconnection. For others, a first chance to interact with cows, sheep, pigs, and other beautiful animals outside the confines of our exploitative food system.

Of course, no Valentine’s Day celebration would be complete without vegan treats! With some help from our friend and sponsor, Trupo Treats, our attendees filled heart-shaped boxes with their choice of vegan sweets and enjoyed delicious vegan cookies made by Maya’s Cookies.

Friend of Farm Sanctuary, Unchained TV’s Jane Velez-Mitchell, joined the festivities to speak with our President and Co-founder Gene Baur, promote our mission, and meet the residents. Prior to the event, Jane interviewed Gene to discuss the event and his journey in the vegan movement. Her pre-event coverage and interview with Gene can be found here.

Part of that journey included performing the first documented open rescue (public rescue) of a sheep in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which led to the founding of Farm Sanctuary in New York as the nation’s first farmed animal sanctuary.

A program highlight was when Gene sat down for a conversation with animal activist Wayne Hsiung. Wayne is a lawyer and co-founder of The Simple Heart Initiative who recently carried out an open rescue at the largest pig farm in the nation and faced up to 10 years in prison. Wayne earned national media attention after successfully defending himself against Smithfield Foods in court on the grounds that he had an ethical duty to prevent unnecessary suffering.

As the two activists discussed open rescues and the future of the animal rights movements, Wayne remarked:

Each one of our rescued residents illustrates Wayne’s point. Their often-harrowing journeys and transformations at sanctuary show their sentience, awe-inspiring resilience, and unending ability to love and forgive. When our supporters – and those curious about our mission – meet these animals at events or on tours, they often find new inspiration to help create a more compassionate world.

We want to thank everyone who came out and opened their hearts to our mission! The impact of this event went far beyond the Sanctuary gates – because of your attendance and generosity, we raised $24,062 to support animal care, humane education programs and advocate for the reform of our modern food system. And by sharing photos and stories from the event, you asked your friends and family to open their hearts to seeing animals as deserving of love and compassion.

Finally, this event would not have been possible without our exceptional volunteers! A total of 21 volunteers helped with everything from parking, registration, keeping the shop stocked, assisting at the candy buffet, and in the animal areas during open sanctuary time. Volunteers are integral to the success of events like these and help us in so many ways! Learn more about our volunteer program here.

We are so grateful for the love and support of our compassionate community! It’s truly change-making.