On September 12, Mercy For Animals celebrated its 15-year
anniversary with a star-studded gala at The London Hotel in Los Angeles.
anniversary with a star-studded gala at The London Hotel in Los Angeles.
The evening kicked off with a VIP reception where celebrities
such as Drew Carey, Leona Lewis, and Pamela Anderson graced the red carpet and
spoke to press outlets, including US
Weekly, People magazine, and Extra.
such as Drew Carey, Leona Lewis, and Pamela Anderson graced the red carpet and
spoke to press outlets, including US
Weekly, People magazine, and Extra.
Passed hors d’oeuvres by Gardein and Vegan Vine wine were enjoyed
poolside as guests took in the 360-degree view of Los Angeles and bid on
fantastic silent auction items that included a limited-edition shoe
collaboration by John Bartlett and Ruthie Davies, an in-home meal by chef
Matthew Kenney, and a stunning photograph by one of the night’s honorees, music
icon Moby.
poolside as guests took in the 360-degree view of Los Angeles and bid on
fantastic silent auction items that included a limited-edition shoe
collaboration by John Bartlett and Ruthie Davies, an in-home meal by chef
Matthew Kenney, and a stunning photograph by one of the night’s honorees, music
icon Moby.
Guests made their way into the dining room shortly after
8:00 where a gourmet vegan dinner was served.
The night’s program, hosted by HLN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell and
actor Hal Sparks, began with a proclamation from West Hollywood mayor John
D’Amico. Then, Kathy Freston presented MFA’s Innovative Business Award to
Gardein founder Yves Potvin and Russell Simmons presented Moby with our
Compassionate Leadership Award.
actor Hal Sparks, began with a proclamation from West Hollywood mayor John
D’Amico. Then, Kathy Freston presented MFA’s Innovative Business Award to
Gardein founder Yves Potvin and Russell Simmons presented Moby with our
Compassionate Leadership Award.
A true highlight of the night came when The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon presented Pamela Anderson with an
award in his name. Later, Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines recognized the
efforts of former Mercy For Animals undercover investigator Cody Carlson, and
presented him with our Hidden Hero Award.
The event concluded with Nathan Runkle, MFA’s president and
founder, and Ari Solomon, director of communications, taking to the stage in a
rousing fundraising appeal that raised $1 million, which will fund MFA’s
undercover investigations department for an entire year.
founder, and Ari Solomon, director of communications, taking to the stage in a
rousing fundraising appeal that raised $1 million, which will fund MFA’s
undercover investigations department for an entire year.
Everyone at Mercy For Animals would like to thank all our guests
and sponsors for making this event a smashing success. We are especially
grateful to Gold Level Sponsor Andy Nahas and The Prospect Fund, as well as
Gardein, VegNews magazine, The Vegan
Vine, Treeline Cheese, Origin
magazine, and The Tree Kisser.
