By Madeline Lavelle ’27, staff writer
Lancaster Farm Sanctuary (LFS) raised nearly $30,000 at their annual fundraising gala.
LFS is a local nonprofit that rehabilitates abandoned, abused and neglected farm animals. Since 2017, LFS has inspired others to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle while advocating against animal exploitation. Founders Sarah Salluzzo and Jonina Turzi have continued to uphold the core values of LFS which, according to their website, include “justice, integrity, responsibility, compassion and courage.”
The fourth annual LFS gala was held on Sept. 9, 2023 and hosted 100 animal-loving community members for an entirely vegan feast. This year incorporated a “French Provincial” theme by offering vegan versions of French cuisine. Besides the food, the gala included live music and time with the beloved farm animals.
Those attending both in-person and online had the opportunity to bid on a multitude of donated items at the live auction. Some of the items included paintings by some of LFS’s animal residents.
This event raised nearly $30,000 for the sanctuary. This money will help with animal supplies, medical bills and maintenance.
“[The funds] will also help us cover the excavating prep for some super-critical housing updates we need to get ready before winter, including a new pig barn for the “big pigs” and another much-needed goat barn,” Turzi said.
Compared to last year, the annual gala raised a few thousand dollars more. In addition, a local business donated a substantial gift card to the sanctuary, which allowed them to purchase the tables and place settings for this event. Because of that donation, next year, more of the money raised can go directly towards helping the animals and not the supplies.
As for future fundraising events, ExtraGive will be held on Nov. 17, 2023. The event is in collaboration with Matching Donors and will be packed with tons of giveaways and live streams with the animals. In addition, the Day of Giving will include a pop-up treat sale in downtown Lancaster to celebrate.
“That single Day of Giving is one of the most important for us annually, and we are always so amazed and humbled and grateful at how our community shows up to help us help farm animals,” Turzi said.
To learn more about the Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, visit https://lancasterfarmsanctuary.org/.