Star-Studded Animal Rights Gala Raises Record $2 Million 

Animal-rights organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) recently raised more than $2 million at its 20th anniversary gala in Los Angeles—which is the most the organization has ever raised in the gala’s history. The star-studded event hosted supporters such as Joaquin Phoenix, Kevin Smith, Kat Von D, Daniella Monet, Moby, and Diane Warren, as well as Paul Wesley, Joseph Morgan, Persia White, Cassandra Peterson, Davey Havok, Sarah Jeffery, Matt Lauria, and Redfoo. The event’s four-course meal was catered by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and featured an artisanal cheese plate from Kite Hill; a shaved Brussels sprout salad; a Beyond Meat patty served with cauliflower purée, roasted vegetables, and a red wine sauce; and a decadent chocolate-vanilla layer cake with chocolate sauce, raspberry drizzle, and berries for dessert. At the gala, MFA also honored animal activists with awards for their work: The Hope Award was presented to vegan entrepreneur Kat Von D; the Global Impact Award went to Marco Borges, New York Times bestselling author of The Greenprint and founder of 22 Days Nutrition; the Hidden Hero Award was given to Lindsay Oliver, a former undercover investigator and MFA’s current vice president of investigations; and the Legacy Award was given to late animal-rights advocate Rena Roseman (and accepted by her husband, Elliot). The event ended with guests cheering every contribution during a fundraising round led by MFA founder Milo Runkle and president Leah Garcés.