NYLHV’s Gala 2009 was a roaring success! Over 350 people attended the Gala, which sold out three weeks in advance!
Governor David A. Paterson gave a historic keynote speech, passionately describing “the sacred tradition of honoring those living things and those beautiful things that were granted to us …” and urging the NYLHV to continue to advocate for these principles. Governor Paterson’s speech is believed to be the first address of its kind by a sitting governor to the membership of a major animal protection group.
At the Gala, Executive Director John Phillips set forth the NYLHV’s many successes in this year’s elections and progress toward enacting animal-friendly legislation. The Gala honored five individuals for their accomplishments on behalf of animal rights:
- Wendy Kelman Neu and John L. Neu of the Hugo Neu Corporation,
- United States Representative Eliot L. Engel of the Bronx,
- Brad Goldberg, Chair of Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers and former Senior Vice President at Jennison Associates, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, and
- Donny Moss, documentary filmmaker and director of Blinders, which exposes the brutal treatment of carriage horses.
The Gala was held in the stately Prince George Ballroom. Those in attendance mingled with celebrities and politicians during a cocktail hour, accompanied by a live pianist. The cocktail hour was followed by an entirely vegan, organic, gourmet three-course dinner.
Special appearances were made by NYC Public Advocate-elect Bill de Blasio, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, NYS Senator Daniel Squadron, NYS Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh, NYS Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, NYS Assembly Member Dick Gottfried, NYC Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr., NYC Council Member Gale Brewer, NYC Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Ulster County Legislator Brian Shapiro, NYS Democratic Party Executive Committee Member Lewis Goldstein, State Committeeman Ron Savage and Manhattan District Leader Mark Levine.
Other special guests at the Gala included (in alphabetical order) Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, GirlieGirl Army’s Chloe Jo Berman, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary’s Jenny Brown and Doug Abel, fashion designer Leanne Hilgart Meyer, “Super Size Me” co-star and author Alex Jamieson, “Discerning Brute” Joshua Katcher, author & political guru Julie Lewin, world-renowned artist Peter Max, Mercy for Animals founder Nathan Runkle, ASPCA CEO Ed Sayres, CNN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell, “Bizarro” comic creator Dan Piraro and singer/songwriter Rachel Trachtenburg.
Sponsors made the Gala possible through their generous support! The NYLHV has the deepest gratitude for the generosity of Gala Sponsors Wendy and John Neu, Mary & Peter Max, Cynthia King Dance Studio, Sublime Restaurant and Dodge Landesman.
Finally, we would like to thank you - the members of the NYLHV - for your support. The appearance by Governor Paterson and many other notable politicians at the Gala shows that the NYLHV has gained their attention. Politicians know that there are many millions of voters in this city and across the country who care about animal protection. They also know that through the NYLHV these voters have mobilized and will hold them accountable. With the support of its members, the NYLHV is looking forward to redoubling its efforts for animals.
Check out some stunning pictures from the Gala here and here. Videos from Gala 2009, including Governor Paterson’s historic keynote address, are available on YouTube here.
