Living Without Meat

After a weekend in New York City volunteering at the Farm Sanctuary Gala, I have lots to share.

Friday evening I got a chance to meet and eat with several Farm Sanctuary staff members. I had an amazing dinner out with the communications team at Caravan of Dreams, a phenomenal vegan, kosher, and raw food restaurant in the city.

Saturday night was the gala itself. Here’s what stick out in my mind about the event:

1. Zora Andrich, who is known for her appearance on the reality series Joe Millionaire and has since become a spokesperson for Slim-Fast, worked as a volunteer. With the number of people whispering about her presence, she easily could have made a red carpet appearance but chose to volunteer instead.

2. Bones star Emily Deschanel has a deeper voice in person, and is super mellow and friendly. She was one of the few top names in attendance that perused the silent auction section (where I was stationed). She bid on several fashion items including purses and clothing, winning a set of organic shirts. She also bid $3,000 at the live auction for an autographed, box set of Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, including a lunch with co-author Rory Freedman.

3. Speaking of author Rory Freedman … her outfit. Wow. Shown here, is Rory wearing an ’80s homecoming dress: silver metallic fabric, off the shoulders with a ruffle around the neckline, and gathered just below the buttocks.

4. Comedic actor Kevin Nealon bumped into me, as did Russell Simmons who was by far my favorite speaker of the evening. As he was introducing award-winning yogis, he brought up the Biblical subject of man having “dominion over animals.” I was in awe of his smooth voice, and eloquently delivered message that God asked us to take care of and look out for his creatures - not to torture, abuse, and control them.

5. Emcee Melissa Rivers and hostess Heather Mills pleasantly surprised me with their speaking skills, stage presence, and likability.

6. The Piraros made quiet a showing. Bizarro comic artist Dan donated two auction pieces, one was a hilarious restaurant scene: a hippie mom saying “Do you have to do that in public?” to a woman feeding her baby chicken breast meat. Dan also bid on several objects, including a statue title “Pig-Headed” which was a blind-folded person form the waist up, a pig on his head, and situated on a grill. Dan will swear to you that he has no idea who attempted to close this silent auction early, right after his bid. His wife Ashley Lou - who was one of the PETA members who showered in Times Square - showed up with pink hair. Love it!

7. House’s Lisa Edelstein was announced as Linda. Last year her last name was said wrong.

8. Susie Essman of Curb Your Enthusiasm looked nervous before going on stage to host the live auction. So I, not knowing who she was at the moment, chatted her up.

9. Hal Sparks was hard to recognize because he now has girl hair: long, luxurious locks.

10. True Whitaker, shown here arriving with her mom Keisha Whitaker, was dressed adorably. Yes it’s over the top, but chances are she felt like a princess.

11. One of the most popular silent auction items was an autographed, complete set of The Golden Girls, including a signed photo of Rue “Blanche” McClanahan. The many gorgeous paintings of farm animals were popular, too, as well as all the vegan handbags, wallets, and purses.

12. The ice sculpture was dropped. It shattered.

13. I spied one guest with a leather Louis Vuitton bag, and another one wearing Christian Louboutin leather shoes. Don’t think I didn’t notice.

And the most important … Kristen Bell couldn’t make it. I cried.

Stay tuned and find out about the goody bag contents, auction items, and donations (including one for $1 million!).