Press Releases
Compassionate Celebration FOR the Turkeys Hosted by Russell Simmons at New York City’s Landmark Tavern on the Green
Guests Invited to Celebrate a Cruelty-Free, Gourmet Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch with Farm Sanctuary, Russell Simmons and Jonathan Safran Foer
 
NEW YORK, NY – November 16, 2009 – Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, and hip-hop mogul and Def Jam Founder Russell Simmons will host the first-ever New York City Celebration FOR the Turkeys in the enchanting “Crystal Room” at New York City’s landmark Tavern on the Green on Sunday, November 22. At this inaugural event, part of the organization’s national Adopt-A-Turkey Project, participants will gather to celebrate an elegant, cruelty-free Thanksgiving, replete with sumptuous vegan holiday fare, a special reading by “Everything is Illuminated” author Jonathan Safran Foer from his new book “Eating Animals,” and a silent auction to benefit the sanctuary’s rescued animals.
"If you understood the plight of 9 billion farm animals who are stuffed into small crates, endure a life of suffering and are fed poison their whole lives you would not want to eat them,” said Simmons. “This makes you sick physically, spiritually and karmically. This Thanksgiving I hope to make a statement that resonates with some of the people in my community."
Attendees of this festive benefit will enjoy an intimate, family-style vegan Thanksgiving brunch featuring a decadent cruelty-free menu designed by the critically-acclaimed chefs at renowned vegan restaurant Candle 79, in a first-ever all-vegan collaboration with the chefs at Tavern on the Green. Other highlights include inspirational presentations by Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-founder Gene Baur, Executive Director Dr. Allan Kornberg and National Shelter Director Susie Coston; a festive reception featuring spiced cider, hot cocoa, holiday nog and a holiday dessert bar from the area’s favorite vegan pastry chefs; as well as a silent auction to benefit the animals.
“Russell Simmons is a music pioneer whose lifestyle of compassion has educated and inspired millions of people to embrace cruelty-free living, and Jonathan Safran Foer is a critically-acclaimed novelist whose latest book, ‘Eating Animals,’ has established him as a powerful new voice for animals,” said Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur. “This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful to have the support of these two icons of compassion, and encourage New Yorkers to start a new Thanksgiving tradition by saving a turkey instead of eating one.”
Those wishing to attend the Celebration FOR the Turkeys may make reservations online at adoptaturkey.org or by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221. The cost is $150 per person.
The Adopt-A-Turkey Project (www.adoptaturkey.org) seeks to end the suffering of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, placed hundreds into loving homes through our annual Turkey Express adoption event, educated millions of people about their plight, and provided resources for a cruelty-free holiday. This year’s celebrity spokesperson is actress Ginnifer Goodwin. Watch her Adopt-A-Turkey PSAs at http://www.adoptaturkey.org/aat/media_center/ginnifer.html.
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.
|
