Mercy for Animals Celebrates 20 Years with Record-Setting Gala

Can you believe it’s been two decades? On Saturday, Mercy for Animals held a gala commemorating 20 years of working to protect the rights of farmed animals and offering a beaming ray of hope for the future.

Held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the gala attracted some of Hollywood’s brightest animal advocates, like Joaquin Phoenix, Kevin Smith, Kat Graham, Rob Zombie, Kat Von D, Charo, Daniella Monet, Moby, Diane Warren, Paul Wesley, Joseph Morgan, Persia White, Cassandra Peterson, Davey Havok, Sarah Jeffery, Matt Lauria, and Redfoo, along with other compassionate stars.

Rob Zombie

Lady Freethinker Founder Nina Jackel attended the inspirational event (and thoroughly enjoyed the Kite Hill plant-based cheese plate).

After guests enjoyed dinner of a scrumptiously prepared Beyond Meat patty, host Kat Graham of The Vampire Diaries took the stage to start the program, which included the Hope Award for Kat Von D, the Global Impact Award for Marco Borges, New York Times bestselling author of The Greenprint, and the Hidden Hero Award for Lindsay Oliver, a heroic former investigator and current vice president of investigations for MFA.

Filmmaker Kevin Smith and actress Harley Quinn Smith

Rena and Elliot Roseman (Video Still)

Few could hold back their tears for the final award presentation — the Legacy Award, given to the late Rena Roseman and accepted by her husband Elliot, whose eloquent and heartfelt speech about Rena’s compassionate spirit and adoration for animals left the audience deeply moved.

American Idol star Catie Turner then wowed the crowd with a beautiful song.

And MFA founder Milo Runkle delivered an inspiring talk on the history of the organization he created, which has truly changed the way the world views farmed animals.

MFA Founder Milo Runkle

And finally, MFA President Leah Garces filled the crowd with hope as she shared her vision of a future where animal suffering in the food industry is a thing of the past.