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A Touch of Vegan  

a bit of food... a tad of insight...

  What a wonderful event!  What great guests! What a great topic!

With special thanks to our friend & Loving Touch member, April Lang, who helped to coordinate this very special day.

Although Loving Touch is primarily a dog & cat rescue group, we also have a love & respect for ALL ANIMALS. 

Today we learned what veganism is all about & got to sample a variety of delicious vegan food & drinks.

To some it is a special diet, to others it is a way of life.      

Those who choose to be vegan believe that animals should not be exploited in any way... 

not for food, not for clothing & not for entertainment.

Zulma, Doreen, Paul, April, Liz, Harris & Adrienne

Susan and Linda

Susan and Linda

Vegan Food Table

Vegan Food Table

Food Table

Food Table

Food Table

Food Table

Food Table

Food Table

Our Speak

Our Speak

Our Speaker

Our Speaker

Our Speaker

Our Speaker

The Entertainment

The Entertainment

 Ron, Paul and Peter

Ron, Paul and Peter

Entertaining the guests

Entertaining the guests

Our Guests

Our Guests

Peter

Peter

Zulma

Zulma

Carol and Dawn

Carol and Dawn

Silent Auction

Silent Auction

Marie

Marie

 

OUR SPEAKERS

 

Harris Bloom  http://harrisbloom.com/

Harris Bloom is a New York based stand up comedian, writer, actor, husband and father of two children (and one dog), accountant on Wall Street, animal activist and founder/president of animal rescue, Stewie to the Rescue. He will sleep when he's dead. Contact:  Harrisbloom@yahoo.com

 

Liz Dee https://www.facebook.com/heartandsoulvandvthought/posts/1484664838413927

Liz Dee is a fifth-generation candy maker with a vegan sweet tooth and an owner of Smarties Candy Company. She practices and advocates for compassion and freedom for all beings (human and non-human), and is active with a number of animal related non-profits including Mercy for Animals and Our Hen House. She is fond of getting lost in a book, practicing yoga, and writing. Liz celebrates life with a brave cat, a cuddly dog, and a kind man she bumped into one day on the corner of West 4th Street and Mercer.  Contact:  eliz.dee@gmail.com

 

Adrienne Borgersen http://www.chicvegan.com/take-five-adrienne-borgersen/  

A 25-year veteran of the music industry, Adrienne took a leap of faith in 2008 to start her business “It Factor Image Consulting”.  Along with extensive experience in the imaging and branding of high-level recording artists at major record labels, she is a certified Image Consultant by NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Adrienne’s passion for the vegan lifestyle has led her to focus her craft on helping people look their best, while keeping in alignment with her ethics. The more she learned about how leather, fur, wool and silk are produced, as well as animal testing on beauty products she could no longer justify using them. Incorporated into her services is educating clients on the impact to the animals and the environment. Then showing them fabulous alternatives that make an equal, if not greater impact on their style and their lives. Adrienne is also certified as a vegan lifestyle coach and educator by Victoria Moran’s Main Street Vegan Academy.  See more at: www.itfactorimage.com

 

OUR DONORS

 

Ginny Kisch Messina, MPH, RD 

“My work today focuses on giving people the tools and knowledge they need to adopt a healthy vegan diet and to ensure that they will stay healthy and happy for the long term. I share this information through my blog, my books, and presentations. I’ve recently co-authored three books for vegans and veg-curious people: Vegan for Life, Vegan for Her, and Never Too Late to Go Vegan (to be published in January, 2014). I’ve also co-authored a textbook on vegetarian nutrition that is aimed at medical and nutrition professionals and have twice co-authored the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position paper on Vegetarian Diets.”

- See more at: http://www.theveganrd.com

 

Kathy Freston 

“Kathy Freston is a New York Times best-selling author with a concentration on healthy living and conscious eating. Her books include Veganist: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, Change the World, Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness, The Quantum Wellness Cleanse: The 21 Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit, The One: Discovering the Secrets of Soul Mate Love and Expect a Miracle: 7 Spiritual Steps to Finding the Right Relationship. Her newest book is, THE LEAN: A Revolutionary (and Simple!) 30-Day Plan for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss (Weinstein Books). Freston promotes a body/mind/spirit approach to health and happiness that includes a concentration on healthy diet, emotional introspection, spiritual practice, and loving relationships, among other tenets.” - See more at:  http://www.kathyfreston.com

 

Victoria Moran 

“She’s the bestselling author of eleven books, including Creating a Charmed Life (in 30 languages around the world) and the plant-  based weight loss classic, The Love-Powered Diet. Her college thesis became Compassion the Ultimate Ethic: An Exploration of Veganism, originally published in 1985 and the first work on vegan philosophy and practice to come from a major publisher. Victoria is also an inspirational speaker, corporate spokesperson, certified holistic health counselor (HHC, AADP), graduate of the T. Colin Campbell Foundation/eCornell program in plant-based nutrition, a certified life coach, a vegan lifestyle coach in private practice, and founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, training and certifying vegan lifestyle coaches.” - See more at:  http://mainstreetvegan.net

 

Eileen Garfinkel

“Over my life, my idea about who or what the Divine is has changed as I have changed.  I believe that animal communication is one path, one way of sending light out into the world, to heal the earth and her inhabitants.  My desire is to contribute to the healing of wounds created by the illusion that we are separate from nature.  By communicating with animals and helping other human beings to open up to their own intuition, we can rediscover the wholeness of life.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with an emphasis  in Religious Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Metaphysical Sciences and a Master in Divinity. I am a Bach Flower Essence practitioner and an ordained Minister.” - See more at:  http://www.dreamsofamelia.com

 

Cheryl Pelavin, Artist and Former Gallery Owner

Ms. Pelavin was the founder and director of Pelavin Editions and Cheryl Pelavin Fine Arts.  She collaborated with emerging artists on monotype suites and etched editions, as well as exhibited the primary work of her artists in her TriBeCa gallery for 35 years. Contact:  www.pelavineditions.com or www.cherylpelavinphoto.com.

 

Joan Rizzo, Owner, Cape May Pet Friendly Rentals

3 bedroom weekly rentals at the Jersey Shore

Contact:  917-538-7117 or CAPEMAY55@AOL.COM

 

Yvonne Fox, Owner, Dudley’s Paw, Tribeca, NYC

Serving the Tribeca Community since 1992.  Premium Brands of Dog and Cat Food.  Pet Care Products.  Gourmet Treats.  Top Quality Toys and Accessories.  Open Monday-Friday, 11-7; Saturday, 10-6. Contact:  212-966-5167, 327 Greenwich Street, New York, NY

 

Felicia Onofrietti, Massage Therapist

New York State Licensed Massage Therapist since 1987.  Trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue,  Acupressure, Pre-Natal massage, Reflexology foot massage and  Traditional Chinese Medicine Facial Cupping.  Contact:  (212) 964-4125.

 

Rescue Chocolates

“Rescue Chocolate is “the sweetest way to save a life!” From each chocolate purchased, 100% of the net profits are donated to animal rescue organizations around the country. To see current and past beneficiaries just click on the Who We Help link at the top of the page. We were founded in January 2010 and we are headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. The packaging of each vegan flavor of Rescue Chocolate sheds light on a different aspect of the current pet “overpopulation” epidemic. Not only are we interested in raising funds for rescues, but we want to get the word out about these oh-so-fixable issues!”

- See more at:  http://www.rescuechocolate.com 

 

Pangea

“Based in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, Pangea was founded on the belief that together, we can create a new, more sustainable future. We've chosen to do so one bottle, bar, and jar at a time. We are a community of like-minded folks who believe in creating products that help, rather than hurt, at every stage of the lifecycle. Buying Pangea products does more than make your body feel good. It means you're supporting sustainable agriculture and culture. Everything from fair trade sourcing and organic farming to living wages and the use of renewable, recycled and recyclable resources. In other words, good for you. Good for everybody. What we choose to consume today directly impacts how we, and future generations, will live tomorrow. Choosing to buy Pangea means you, too, are positively impacting the future. “ - See more at:  http://www.pangeaorganics.com

 

Angela Piva

Vegetarian & Vegan cook.  Experienced vegetarian & vegan cook. Located in Tribeca - I am fortunate enough to have a beautiful herb garden which I make good use of in the summer and dry as much as I can for use in winter. I have combined a variety of ethnic influences in my cooking including Middle Eastern, Indian, Portuguese, Spanish, Asian and traditional American dishes. Working on a cookbook at this time, proceeds will go to animal rescue and Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes Research. Contact:  Angela.Piva7@gmail.com or 347-429 1183

 

“Candles & Quotes” (Hand Poured 100% Soy Candles)

“Is a small base business that was started by two sisters, Gina and Lia. Our mission was to create a moment in ones life that reflected on the positive things Happening. Gina’s love for candles and Lia’s flare for fun and inspiring quotes led us on a journey of candle making.  We combined our two passions and came up with Candles & Quotes!  We make our all Natural Hand Poured Soy Candles. Your candle is unique and one of a kind.  Each candle comes with a Quote that has inspired others and us. Soy wax candles are made from all natural soybean oil. An earth friendly alternative to paraffin candles. Soy candles are top quality and protect the environment because it’s a natural vegetable product and not a petroleum product like paraffin. Soy wax does not produce black soot or release dangerous toxins into the air. You will also notice that your candle will “sweat” this is because Soy wax is sensitive to temperature.  This is normal for Soy Candles because nothing is added to the soy so it is in its natural state.  All of our amazing Scented Candles are made in the USA. “

- See more at:  http://candlesandquotes.com

 

Jared Pava 

“Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Thai Massage Therapist, Certified Reiki Healer.  Jared combines these healing art forms to give his clients & students options for their holistic well-being.  Jared’s approach towards healing is very authentic and soothing.  Jared creates a compassionate & warm environment that is calming & inviting.” Contact:  347-393-0915 or jaredpava33@gmail.com

 

Gabrielle Stubbert

“It has always been my dream to own a farm.  My Husband (a lawyer) and I (a photographer) bought a tree farm 10 years ago and finally this spring 2012 we are ready to grow food and rescue animals!  It has been a long time in the making so we are pretty excited to get started.  Now that we are up and running we will keep adding to our line of freshly grown, organic, local products that will available to our friends and chefs in NYC and around the world.  All proceeds from this farm will go to the housing and feeding of our rescued animals.” - See more at:  http://www.tamerlainefarm.com

 

Vegan Essentials

“Vegan Essentials is an online store located in Waukesha, Wisconsin. We have been in business since early 1998 and are one of the USA's oldest cruelty-free retailers, filling the needs of vegans worldwide for nearly a decade. We're a vegan owned and operated store that specializes in only offering the highest quality animal-free products, and our mission is to offer unparalleled service and selection all in one location, making us a one-stop shopping destination for all things vegan. Founded by Courtney and Sue Ernster, our product selection was originally only available through printed catalogs, but over the years we have evolved to be internet-based for showcasing our product selection in order to reduce paper waste and make shopping as fast and easy as possible. We want to get you what you need as quickly as possible when you're in need of products that are free from animal ingredients and animal testing. Every product that leaves our store is a vote in favor of supporting cruelty-free options to make for a kinder planet!” - See more at:  http://store.veganessentials.com

 

Vegan Chic

“Vegan Chic is focused on bringing vegan fashion to the mainstream. We're proud to be 100% vegan, all the time while never losing our focus on quality and style. With a selection ranging from budget conscious quality to handmade designer brands, all Vegan Chic products have been vetted to ensure they meet our high standards of cruelty-free sourcing to fair and safe working conditions during production. We search diligently for eco-friendly and cruelty-free products because it's the right thing to do. Owners Mark and Vessela are avid animal lovers having rescued and given a home to many feral cats. Mark sums up Vegan Chic's commitment to animal-free products nicely: "We love all animals and are committed to protecting them as they cannot protect themselves."

- See more at:  http://www.veganchic.com

 

s’Nice

'sNice is a true locally-owned Mom & Pop business, serving vegetarian and vegan sandwiches in NYC for the past 10 years. Mike and Deb opened 'sNice when there were not many meat-free dining options available, and they continue to come up with new and exciting options for vegetarian diners (including themselves, since it's their daily lunch spot too!). The whole 'sNice family is proud to be a small business in the big city and to serve as a regular hangout for locals as well as a dining destination for vegetarians worldwide.

Contact:  315 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY  11215, 718-788-2121

 

Candle 79

We at Candle 79 are dedicated to your health through our commitment to excellent vegetarian cuisine. Our inspired creations are comprised of a seasonal array of organic ingredients. This means that the food is grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals ,which have debilitating consequences for both our farmlands and our health. By supporting organic farming and avoiding animal products, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of environmental, spiritual and physical well being. We are delighted to nourish your body with delicious meals served in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. We invite you to enjoy the good foods that come fresh from the farm to your table.

- See more at:  http://www.candle79.com

 

MooShoes

“MooShoes, Inc. is a vegan-owned business that sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories. MooShoes offers its services through an online store as well as in its lovely retail store in New York City, the first cruelty-free store of its kind in NYC. We’re open 7 days a week for your shopping pleasure.  Founded in 2001 by sisters and Queens natives, Erica and Sara Kubersky, MooShoes was originally located near the Gramercy Park section of Manhattan in a defunct butcher shop. After a brief period on Allen Street, MooShoes re-located to its current location at 78 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  MooShoes is also home to a slew of rescued cats who were adopted from some of our favorite local organizations, many of whom hold adoptions days at our store from time to time. We’ve been lucky enough to hold many events at the store

for many talented, genrous individuals and organizations in the vegan community.”

- See more at:  http://www.mooshoes.com

 

Emily Aburmidden

“I am a teenage vegan, I have lived on a hobby farm for my entire life, and now I am a student studying Horticulture. Random facts about me: Fruit is one of my favorite things in the world, I'm an introvert, I like reading, I'm Palestinian, and I can speak Arabic.  I'm really excited to have this shop and sell items that will help get the vegan message out there, and I'm also excited to be able to donate to farm sanctuaries at the end of each month.”

- See more at:  https://www.etsy.com/people/VeganVeins

 

Doreen Eiseman - Loving Touch board member/director.   Working full time and caring for rescued animals does not leave much time for pampering myself.  When I was introduced to the Beauticontrol company I realized that I could finally take a little time for myself without having to leave my home.  Once I became more familiar with the company and products I decided to join as a consultant, hoping to bring in some extra funds to help with the expenses of the rescued animals we care for.   Visit my personal website at www.beautipage.com/doreeneiseman for a variety of spa treatments, personalized skin care and advanced anti-aging products for Men and Woman.  Beauticontrol can be found on PETA’s list of companies that do not test on animals.   

 

Sharon Azar

Artist, dancer, lover of Nature, truth, beauty and honesty - woofwoof.sharon@gmail.com

 

Trader Joe's  www.traderjoes.com

A specialty retail grocery store in nine states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. www.traderjoes.com

 

James and Associates Printing

 

 

 MORE HELFUL LINKS FROM OUR PLAYBILL

             PLEASE TAKE A LOOK               

 

 

Peta’s  Beauty Without Bunnies Program – Companies that don’t test on animals

http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdonttest.pdf 

 

 

The Social Justice Movement for Our Time – Their Turn

www.theirturn.net

 

Making Vegan Easy

www.vegan.com

 

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

www.pcrm.org

 

Farm Sanctuary

http://www.farmsanctuary.org

 

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

www.woodstocksanctuary.org

 

Catskill Animal Sanctuary

www.casanctuary.org

 

Muffin’s  Pet Connection – Low Cost Spay/Neuter Certificates 

www.muffins.org

International Fund for Animal Welfare

www.ifaw.org

Friends of Animals – Spay/Neuter Certificates

www.friendsofanimals.org

 

 

Animal Legal Defense Fund – Winning the Case Against Cruelty

www.aldf.org

 

Vegan Peace – Striving Towards Peacefully Sharing Our Earth

www.veganpeace.com

 

Woman’s Designer Fashion

www.vautecouture.com

 

The Discerning Brute – Fashion, Food & Etiquette for the Ethically Handsome Man

 www.thediscerningbrute.com

 

World Animal Protection

www.worldanimalprotection.org

Compassion in World Farming

www.ciwf.com    and  www.ciwf.org.uk

 

One Green Planet

www.onegreenplanet.org

 

Vegan Starter Kit

www.vegankit.com

 

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED -   

 

"My family and I were on a boat, catching fish. As one fish was caught, he was writhing, then he was thrown against the side of the boat. You couldn't disguise what it was. This was what we did to animals to eat them. The animal went from a living, vibrant creature fighting for life to a violent death." - Joaquin Phoenix, actor

 

I have witnessed and tended to calves in rodeos who became paralyzed and whose tracheas were totally or partially severed. Slamming them to the ground has caused rupture of several internal organs leading to a slow and agonizing death. — Dr. E.J. Finocchino, President of the Rhode Island SPCA.

 

When I was 12, I went hunting with my father and we shot a bird. He was laying there and something struck me. Why do we call this fun to kill this creature [who] was as happy as

I was when I woke up this morning. — Marv Levy (football head coach)  

 

I abhor vivisection. It should at least be curbed. Better, it should be abolished. I know of no achievement through vivisection, no scientific discovery, that could not have been obtained without such barbarism and cruelty. The whole thing is evil. — Charles Mayo (founder of the Mayo Clinic)  

 

Life is life – whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’s own advantage. —            

Sri Aurobindo, Indian nationalist, philosopher, yogi, guru and poet.  (1872–1950)

 

Alice Walker, American author, The Color Purple:                                                                                  "The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than blacks were made for whites, or women for men."

 

"My body will not be a tomb for other creatures." ~ Leonardo Da Vinci, painter

 

 

"We do not need to eat animals, wear animals, or use animals for entertainment purposes, and our only defense of these uses is our pleasure, amusement, and convenience." -  

Gary L. Francione, legal scholar

 

"I became a vegan the day I watched a video of a calf being born on a factory farm. The baby was dragged away from his mother before he hit the ground. The helpless calf strained its head backwards to find his mother. The mother bolted after her son and exploded into a rage when the rancher slammed the gate on her. She wailed the saddest noise I’d ever heard an animal make, and then thrashed and ...dug into the ground, burying her face in the muddy placenta. I had no idea what was happening respecting brain chemistry, animal instinct, or whatever. I just knew that this was deeply wrong. I just knew that such suffering could never be worth the taste of milk and veal. I empathized with the cow and the calf and, in so doing, my life changed." ~ James McWilliams, professor of history

 

 “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.” - Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President

 

“We know we cannot be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them -- exploiting animals in the name of science, exploiting animals in the name of sport, exploiting animals in the name of fashion, and yes, exploiting animals in the name of food.”  ―   

César Chávez, civil rights activist, co-founded, National Farm Workers Assoc.

 

I’ve made a conscious decision not to be part of the cycle of killing animals because I couldn't see the point of crusading for Greenpeace and then eating a fish. Seriously, if you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk,” he said. - 

Bryan Adams, musician/activist

 

I’d like to see animals removed from the entertainment business. Chimpanzees and apes won’t perform unless you beat them. Circuses keep elephants in chains 90 percent of the time. Elephants need freedom of movement. In circuses, they live in cramped quarters, which is not the life intended for them by nature. Some are beaten daily, forced to do ridiculous tricks and robbed of every shred of dignity. —

Bob Barker, Game  Show Host/activist

 

Killing an animal to make a coat is sin. It wasn’t meant to be, and we have no right to do it. 

A woman gains status when she refuses to see anything killed to be put on her back.

Then she’s truly beautiful. — Doris Day - singer/actress/activist

 

Behind every beautiful fur, there is a story. It is a bloody, barbaric story. —

Mary Tyler Moore - (actress/activist)

 

I think there’s something odd about eating another living anything. — Shania Twain (Singer)

 

“I made the choice to be vegan because I will not eat (or wear, or use) anything that could have an emotional response to its death or captivity. I can well imagine what that must feel like for our non-human friends - the fear, the terror, the pain - and I will not cause such suffering to a fellow living being.” 

Rai Aren, writer

 

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein, scientist

 

“We all love animals. Why do we call some ‘pets’ and others ‘dinner?’” ~ K.D. Lang, musician

 

"Could you look an animal in the eyes and say to it, 'My appetite is more important than your suffering'?” ~ Moby, musician

 

You ask people why they have deer heads on the wall. They always say, ‘Because it’s such a beautiful animal.’ There you go. I think my mother’s attractive, but I have photographs of her.  - Ellen DeGeneres, talk show host 

 

 

 

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