Monday, October 06, 2008

Sarasota Walks for Farm Animals


The weather was cool and sunny, the people and puppies were happy and smiling, the kids were cute, and the vegan donuts and Silk Mocha were oh-so-tasty!! You didn't know dogs can smile? Well now you do :)

Once again VegSarasota members turn out in force to shed some much needed exposure on animal abuse in agriculture. In honor of World Farm Animals Day which is on 10/2 we got together this past Saturday for a 3 mile walk followed by yummy snacks, drinks, and a product giveaway. All those mundane Saturday morning drivers just going about their robot-like commutes got an eyeful as about 50 happy smiling people and non-human animals carved a path over the beautiful new John Ringling bridge in support of Farm Sanctuary, signs and banners in-tow (see pics below). We got a bunch of supportive waves and honks from passing runners, bicyclists, and drivers.

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal reforms, public awareness, education, and direct rescue efforts.

Our good friend Michele Mician really did a great job organizing the walk this year and deserves special thanks. So....thanks!

Here are a few of the photos:













The entire photo album can be viewed HERE

After the walk, we all enjoyed some nice shade and breeze, sitting on the grass, and getting re-hydrated. We ate snacks like vegan yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, Silk Mocha and vegan donuts. We handed out tickets and gave away a LOT of Bear Naked Granola and Soymilk, as well as a gorgeous gift basket with a cookbook, snacks, and hand blended tea.

VegSarasota
would like to thank our sponsors for this event, Buddha Belly Donuts (makers of Sarasota's only vegan donuts) and Bear Naked Granola. Also thanks to our benefactors Terry, Judson V., Ruth Z, Kent P., Diane T. and all our members who collected donations leading up to the event, you guys & gals totally rock!