Special Reports

Celebrity Animal Lovers
Attend PETA's 25th Anniversary
Hollywood Gala

 

By the Entertainment Team, Los Angeles, California, USA (Originally in English)

With an honorary committee including notables such as musician Paul McCartney and actors Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world’s largest animal rights group, vigorously promotes animal protection laws and the vegetarian lifestyle. And after learning about Supreme Master Ching Hai’s teachings and how millions have become vegetarians through Her compassionate example, representatives of PETA invited Her to be a special guest at their 25th Anniversary Gala and Humanitarian Awards ceremony. Although Master could not attend, members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association went on Her behalf.

The event, which took place on September 10, 2005 at world famous Paramount Pictures Studios, was graced by some of Hollywood’s most compassionate stars, including Pamela Anderson (Baywatch), Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator), Alec Baldwin (The Hunt for Red October), Jamie Lee Curtis (True Lies), Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), Alyssa Milano (Charmed), Prince (Oscar and Grammy-winning singer), Dennis Rodman (NBA star), Andy Dick (The Andy Dick Show), Martina Navratilova (former World No. 1 tennis player), and Pink (Grammy-winning singer).

As the Gala’s starting time neared, reporters from popular media outlets such as People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood lined up to interview the celebrity guests. Also on the red carpet was an initiate covering the event for the Association’s TV program A Journey through Aesthetic Realms. When the initiate interviewer asked Pink what had brought her to the Gala, the singer replied, “It’s PETA—to support the cause. Supreme Master Ching Hai, hallo! Hallo to A Journey through Aesthetic Realms!” In addition, many other stars interviewed for the show also sent their best regards to Master.

In the general reception area, the VIP room and celebrity green room, the initiates had the opportunity to share Master’s teachings through sample booklets and Master’s DVD on vegetarianism The Real Heroes broadcast in the USA on the PAX TV network on June 26, 2005. The practitioners also lovingly prepared delicious vegetarian food for thousands of guests.

While visiting with the initiates, PETA’s president and founder Ingrid Newkirk said, “We’re so delighted to have you at our gala for our 25th anniversary. We couldn’t be more pleased. I think animals are very unfairly treated, and I think we as human beings have so much to learn from them and about them. And it’s a very simple concept just to show people that for every cruel choice, there’s a kind choice.”

Such remarks, clearly demonstrate how Master has uplifted the world as we move into the Golden Age. Through their vegetarian diets and cruelty-free lifestyles the world’s most renowned celebrities are living more compassionate, humane lives, and in turn millions of fans are being introduced to the concept of love for all creatures. The celebrities are further blessed by being exposed to Master’s teachings and boundless love, and hopefully, through God’s grace, the rest of humankind will continue to expand in understanding and compassion to become “the real heroes.”