Recap: Justice for Animals Gala 2018
On Saturday, September 8th, the Animal Legal Defense Fund celebrated 39 years of legal achievements with the Justice for Animals Gala in Los Angeles, California.
Held at the elegant Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in the Luxe Sunset Ballroom, friends and colleagues gathered to toast the animals and reflect on the milestones of the past year.
Opening remarks from Emcee Charlotte Ross emphasized the importance of the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund to provide a voice for animals through the legal system which categorizes animals as mere property.
Recognition of exemplary efforts for animals were acknowledged at the event with special awards. The Angel Award was presented by Board Director Andrea Arden on behalf of the Sobrato Family, in acknowledgment of their significant impact on change for animals and support. Pro Bono Program director Tom Linney also took the stage, presenting pro bono awards to Alston & Bird, Dentons, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Orrick, Perkins Coie LLP, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Winston & Strawn LLP, and Margaret Kwoka.
Read more event details and enjoy the photos taken during the gala.
Courtyard of the Luxe Boulevard Hotel where the gala was held.
Animal Legal Defense Fund founder Joyce Tischler and executive director Stephen Wells.
Singer and animal advocate Moby with Joyce Tischler and Stephen Wells.
Pro Bono Achievement Award winners Tim Watson and Xavier Brandwajn with Joyce Tischler, Stephen Wells and Tom Linney.
DawnWatch author Karen Dawn, her rescued dog Winky Smalls, and Stephen Wells.
Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter members Tony Gerrans, Brooke Fane, Terry D’Aloia, Joseph M., Kate Barnekow and Gabriel Wildgen, with Stephen Wells and Nicole Pallotta.
A gallery of photos, representing the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s recent victories, was on display.
Winky Smalls, Karen Dawn’s rescued dog, was happy to mingle with guests throughout the night.
Philanthropist Bobi Leonard attended the event with her husband Paul and her dog Buddha.
Former Orange County Superior Court Judge Robert Kollar and his guest Dali Despotovic, Renee Marinkovic, Animal Legal Defense Fund senior staff attorney Diane Balkin and Wynn Kerr.
Lockwood Animal Rescue Center co-founders and “Wolves and Warriors” stars Matt Simmons and Lorin Linder, Stephen Wells and animal advocate Patty Shenker.
Pro Bono Program director Tom Linney, Pro Bono Achievement Award winner Libby Moulton of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Stephen Wells and Joyce Tischler.
A gallery of photos, representing the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s recent victories, was on display.
Pro Bono Program director Tom Linney, University of Denver professor of law Margaret Kwoka, Stephen Wells and Joyce Tischler.
Pro Bono Program director Tom Linney, Pro Bono Achievement Award winner Lara Dueppen of Perkins Coie, Stephen Wells and Joyce Tischler.
Pro Bono Achievement Award.
Upon arrival, guests received a paddle for the night’s auction before moving to the courtyard for cocktail hour.
Actress and animal advocate Katie Cleary with Stephen Wells.
Actress and host for the event Charlotte Ross with Stephen Wells.
Executive Director, Stephen Wells shared with guests an in depth look at the achievements for animals from the past year.
2018 marked the beginning of the milestone legal case in which Justice the Horse, represented by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, sued his abusive owner for damages to cover his necessary lifelong care incurred as a result of the neglect he endured from his owner.
In another case, a dog named Bella lost her life to her abusive owner and inspired Bella’s Bill. The Bill, created by the work of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and New York state legislators, fights to improve the antiquated animal welfare laws of the state of New York. Other successful pursuits include the rehoming of animals from the Deer Haven Mini Zoo in Maryland, Ag-Gag victories in the states of Idaho and Utah furthered similar work in Iowa and North Carolina, and undercover investigative documentation of the suffering of pigs in Nebraska.
Special thanks were given to the Gold Supporters of the event: Seth Fonti & Rachael Klein, Tatiana Freitas, and the anonymous supporter who supported the Animal Legal Defense Fund on behalf of all unwanted cats at shelters, and those living and breeding under apartments or in alleys with special recognition to those who help our feline friends with trap, neuter, and return efforts. Also recognized were Silver Supporters Kate & Ryan Myers, Sejal Vijay Sanghvi, and Chris A. Hollinger/Sleeping Lion SFO.
The evening offered exciting and animal friendly auction items, cocktails, music, a selfie station photo booth, and a healthy plant based dinner.
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