Farm Sanctuary Hosts Their 2018 Gala

They had a slideshow of all the animals they house and we died from the cuteness.

On Thursday, October 4^th, Farm Sanctuary hosted their 2018 gala at Pier Sixty. The night celebrated Farm Sanctuary and their mission to help save farm animals from factory farming and the abuse that comes with it. Farm Sanctuary houses a variety of farm animals from cows to ducks to chickens and prides themselves in allowing each individual animal to develop their own personality and live their best life.

The gala started off with guests mingling during the cocktail hour and eventually finding their seats only to be greeted by a quinoa appetizer. The dish contained quinoa, tomato, grapefruit, a herb salad, an avocado mousse, and a pappadum. As guests enjoyed their starting dish, the host of the night, Bellamy Young from the hit show “Scandal” took the stage to get the night going. Being a vegan herself and being very involved in Farm Sanctuary, she praised the efforts of this organization along with the efforts of every vegan in attendance that night. As she went on with her opening, she asked for a very heartfelt moment of silence to respect all the animals that died during Hurricane Florence. Tears were shed.

After introductions were done, guests were served the main course which was a Mediterranean mezze. This dish included pan seared chickpea cakes, a ginger carrot verde sauce, micro pea shoots, a quinoa lentil pilaf with roasted cauliflower, brussels leaves, and crispy beet chickpeas. This dish was savory and flavorful, but at the same time, it was not heavy at all. After dinner was served, the awards were given out. The honorees were Trayce McQuirter, Kristi Funk, and Carol Leifer. The legendary Cyndi Lauper presented comedian and writer Carol Leifer with her award which was a treat to all.

After awards were given out and the auction following was finished, guests were treated to an amazing fresh chocolate cake with a raspberry compote and currant sorbet. The cake was so chocolaty and dense (not in a bad way) and paired with the light and refreshing compote and sorbet made it even better. All in all, the night was lovely. Farm Sanctuary is an amazing cause with people who clearly care a lot about the good they are doing. The food was amazing, the venue was chic, and the company was great. We got a chance to talk to some of the special guests at the red carpet held before the event. Check out our exclusive interviews below:

Emily Deschanel

The Knockturnal: What are you looking forward to with this gala?

Emily Deschanel: Well, I love coming to events like this because I get to meet other people who care about farm animals, and animals in general, and who are compassionate people. And I love spending time with people who believe that these animals deserve a better life.

The Knockturnal: What’s something that people don’t know about Farm Sanctuary that they should know?

Emily Deschanel: All these animals are unique individuals. I had not visited Farm Sanctuary until being vegan for about 10 years and I was struck by a feeling of “yes I believe those animals don’t deserve to suffer, and yes I believe they felt pain, and believe that some were individuals.” But, I didn’t realize how much even chickens are individuals with personalities. I think that really was profound for me. I think people don’t realize how much meeting farm animals can change your life.

The Knockturnal: A lot of people think veganism isn’t for them because of the dietary restrictions. What are some vegan dishes that you like to have?

Emily Deschanel: There are so many restaurants in LA and NYC. There are so many amazing restaurants where you don’t have to cook for yourself but can still get inspired. You just have to change your mind about things too. There are amazing black bean tacos that I love. And sweet potato, quinoa, and chickpea burgers. Things like that, to me, those are so healthy and they’re vegan, and they taste so good to me that I don’t miss it. But, the world has changed so much and being vegan 25 years ago is so different because now it is a whole different world. There are all these different plant-based yogurts and cheeses that you can buy at your local store that are so different than when I started.

Colbie Caillat

The Knockturnal: What are you looking forward to at this gala?

Colbie Caillat: Everything! I am excited to be here for Farm Sanctuary and I have been such a huge fan of theirs and the world that they do for years. They are the most wonderful human beings to work with.

The Knockturnal: How did you get introduced to Farm Sanctuary?

Colbie Caillat: I am trying to think exactly how. It was a few years ago and my fiancé and I went vegetarian/vegan 8 years ago. And so once I realized that I was able to start getting involved in these important foundations that are doing good in the world. And I have always loved animals and have always cared for them and so once I learned I could work with them and be a part of it I wanted to join and help spread the word.

The Knockturnal: What do you love about having a plant-based lifestyle?

Colbie Caillat: I feel good. To be honest with you, I felt good since the day I went plant-based. It is all about what we are putting in our bodies. I read a really good quote today but it said how I don’t want my body to be a tomb for other beings. I never loved meat growing up and I just made the correlation that I love animals and don’t like eating meat and I can get great products to wear and use on my skin that do not harm animals, then that’s the way we should go.

The Knockturnal: So what’s new with you?

Colbie Caillat: I started a band project. We haven’t announced it yet. It’s with my fiancé and two best friends, they’re a married couple as well, and we are going to put new music out soon.

The Knockturnal: What’s the vibe of the music?

Colbie Caillat: It’s very organic, acoustic, a little country feel. But it’s kind of the music I’ve always done but I guess in the country genre now. Lots of four-part harmonies.