Before I get to the point of this post, let me first apologize for my absence of late.  It’s been far too long since I’ve written, as indicated by the fact that I’ve lost 6 followers this week.  I’ve been so so busy lately between starting two new jobs, trying to quickly polish a second draft of my script, and help organize the Animal Acres Gala, there just hasn’t been any extra time!  Excuses are lame, however, so I won’t bore you with mine.  Just know that I missed you and I’ll try to be better.

So- very exciting things to share about the Animal Acres Gala, which you are ALL invited to!  Animal Acres is a safe haven for rescued farm animals.  Many of our residents have been saved from horrendous factory farm conditions or have been otherwise abused.  In its 24 years of existence, Animal Acres has provided a loving home to hundreds of pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, cows, goats, etc.  Each time I visit the farm, I feel newly invigorated and inspired to continue my work defending these beautiful, voiceless creatures.  

The Gala will take place September 11 at Animal Acres (which is about 45 minutes North of Hollywood).  The event will be hosted by comedian/genius Bill Maher, and among the many other celebrity guests/presenters will be Ellen Degeneres (I’m dying to just breathe the same air as her), Portia De Rossi, Kim Basinger, Noah Wyle, James Cromwell (Babe!), and Russell Simmons.  The evening will feature an amazing silent auction, where I happen to know you’ll be able to bid on a fabulous pair of OlsenHaus heels among many other exciting items.  It’s going to be a phenomenal event at which compassionate, influential, progressive members of society come together for a night of dinner, dancing, and celebrating a commitment to an eco-friendly, healthy, respectful life.  You need not be vegan/vegetarian to attend, you must only have a curiosity, interest, and/or respect for the work Animal Acres does for its less fortunate friends.

General admission tickets are $150.  Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s expensive.  I personally feel that the experience of this evening will be worth sacrificing a variety of other things for a few weeks- hopefully some of you feel the same.  Or, if your birthday is upcoming, it makes a great gift from a family member or group of friends (I was going to use my August birthday for just that before I was invited to volunteer for the day).

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, please take a moment before you go on with your day to forward this to any LA-based friends you may have (your vegetarian cousin, the quiet vegan in your office who stashes soy chicken in the fridge, your boss with the rough, cold exterior who you know would secretly love a kiss from a goat) who may be interested in this information.  The Gala welcomes any and all who have open hearts, open minds, and open-ish wallets.

Following are a few photos from my recent visits to the farm- including some of my little brother who is moving to LA soon (YAY!).  Hopefully seeing these once abused, now blissful creatures will inspire you to help keep the doors and hearts open at Animal Acres

If you’re already convinced and wondering “Where can I get my tickets RIGHT THIS MINUTE?!”, here you go!

http://www.animalacres.org/events/pre_gala_2010_tix.html

Feel free to explore the website and learn more about the wonderful work they do.

Little known fact: turkeys are extremely soft and enjoy a gentle petting