snackwire: def farm jam

Russell Simmons is a music mogul who cares about farm animals. To wit, he's the chairman of the upcoming Farm Sanctuary in the City: A Benefit for Compassion. Along for the anti-factory farming ride are fellow celebs Darren Star, Moby, Martina Navratilova and Ally Sheedy to name a few. Full roster and press release after the jump.

P.O. Box 150 Watkins Glen, NY 14891   607-583-2225

P.O. Box 1065 Orland, CA 95963   530-865-4617

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STAR-STUDDED NYC BENEFIT CELEBRATES FARM ANIMALS

Russell Simmons Serves as Chairman of "Farm Sanctuary in the City: A Benefit for Compassion"

Watkins Glen, NY – March 29, 2007 – Business mogul and Def Jam Records founder Russell Simmons will serve as chairman of "Farm Sanctuary in the City: A Benefit for Compassion ," held April 7 at Jivamukti Yoga School, 841 Broadway, New York City, N.Y. The event is a fundraiser for Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Proceeds from the event will help fund Farm Sanctuary's efforts to provide a safe refuge for farm animals in need and to bring an end to factory farming.

"Yoga teaches the practice of ahimsa—nonviolence," Simmons said. "And few things are more violent than the way cows, chickens, pigs, ducks, and other food animals are treated on factory farms. These atrocities happen every single day, and we can help stop them just by speaking up and doing something."

At the benefit, Simmons will be joined by Nellie McKay, who will provide a special performance; Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary; Dennis Erdman and Darren Star; Hallie Kate Eisenberg; Jesse Eisenberg; Peter Max; Moby; Martina Navratilova; Ally Sheedy; and Gloria Steinem. Corporate sponsors include: Angelica Kitchen; Babycakes NYC; Candle Café; Caravan of Dreams; The Dog Run, NYC; Madame Butterfly Cakes; Moo Cluck; Ouiya; Perfect Organics; Purely Decadent; Red Bamboo; So Delicious Dairy Free; Souen; and Vegetarian's Paradise 2.

"We're so pleased to host this benefit for Farm Sanctuary and to provide a space where people can come together and support compassion for all beings," said Sharon Gannon and David Life, creators of the Jivamukti Yoga Method and Jivamukti Yoga School.

Gourmet vegan hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be provided, and a silent auction will be held. The event kicks off at 8 p.m. and ends at midnight. Tickets are $100 and can be reserved by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221 or by visiting www.FarmSanctuary.org.

"The animal protection movement is beginning to make significant progress, as agribusiness, restaurants and politicians are finally responding to pressure from consumers to change," Gene Baur said. "Gatherings like the one at Jivamukti keep that momentum rolling, and it's truly inspiring to see so many compassionate citizens coming together to advocate on behalf of farm animals."

Note to Media: All media must RSVP for this event. Proper credentials required.

About Farm Sanctuary

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 and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif. provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.