NEW YORK - May 9 - Gourmet vegan cuisine takes center stage on Saturday, May 20, 2006 as a host of stars join Farm Sanctuary in New York City when the nation's leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization celebrates its 20th anniversary at the 2006 Gala for Farm Animals. The event, co- chaired by long-time animal advocates Daryl Hannah and Heather Mills-McCartney, brings together celebrity supporters, key legislators and animal advocates to fete farm animals and those working to protect these animals from suffering.

The chefs at Cipriani Wall Street, accompanied by Jorge Pineda and Angel Ramos from Candle Cafe and Candle 79, will prepare a three-course gourmet vegan dinner while guests enjoy a celebrity- filled reception and a farm animal-inspired auction. Revered animal activist and devotee of Candle Cafe and Candle 79, Heather Mills-McCartney will present the New York institution with the Leader in Compassionate Living Award for the restaurant's vision, talent and commitment to farm animal welfare and delicious vegan food.

Gene Bauston, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary added his support to Candle's award, "Farm Sanctuary encourages consumers to adopt a plant-based diet, and Candle Cafe makes it possible. Their restaurants are leading a powerful movement in New York City, and beyond, toward a more compassionate way of living."

Long-standing members of Farm Sanctuary, Candle Cafe and Candle 79 founders Joy Pierson and Bart Potenza have played an instrumental role in Farm Sanctuary's black-tie Galas since 2001, when Joy served on the planning committee, providing expertise in gourmet vegan cooking to chefs at the Plaza Hotel in New York and the Beverly Hills Hotel in California. Then-Plaza Hotel Chef Mark Felix was so inspired by his introduction to vegan cuisine and Joy's coaching that he pledged not to serve cruel veal anymore and went on to become a vegan culinary expert himself, and is working on a vegan cooking show for television.

At Cipriani Wall Street, hors d'oeuvres include curried seitan satay skewers with mango chutney, baby artichokes a la Romana, eggplant caviar rolatini, braised radicchio risotto, endive leaf with avocado salad, assorted bruschetta, rosemary focaccia, vegan sushi and Zucchini a la Cipriani. The gourmet three-course meal will begin with handmade organic ravioli filled with eggplant zucchini and seasonal herbs, finished with a light pomodoro sauce. The main course consists of seitan marsalla with bundles of haricot verts, tied with carrot ribbon and served with grilled white polenta. An alternate main course of artichoke risotto will be on offer, as well. Desserts include a chocolate brownie with pistachio ice cream, an apple tart with vanilla soy ice cream, and vegan petit fours.

After dinner treats include hand-crafted Soy Gelato and Fruit Sorbetto donated by Blackwell's Organic. Committed to delicious desserts that are "better for your body, your soul and the planet," Blackwell's Organic desserts are made only with organic, fair-trade ingredients. Candle Cafe and Candle 79 will also host a tasting booth filled with signature menu items. In addition, independent chef Laura Dardi will provide additional sweets including coconut tapioca pudding in crispy filo cups with a tropical fruit salsa, chocolate ganache cake with rasberry sauce and vanilla bean creme anglaise, and citrus tarts in a short bread crust with fresh berries and mint.

Over 25 celebrities will be in attendance including David Boreanaz, Dave Foley, Mariel Hemingway, Swoosie Kurtz, Moby, Eric Roberts, Alicia Silverstone, Paul Sorvino, Loretta Swit, Debra Wilson, and many more. Gala attendance is $300 ($150 is tax- deductible). For more information: Visit http://www.farmsanctuary.org/gala/2006/ or contact 607-583-2225 ext. 221 or gala@farmsanctuary.org .

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