Animal lovers came out in force for Animal Equality’s Inspiring Global Action Gala at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday (December 2), with few dry eyes in the house during the evening’s emotional and impactful speeches.

The evening, hosted by Michelle Forbes, also attracted Lisa Edelstein, Scheana Marie, Lesley Nicol, Stephanie Corneliussen, Jon Mack, Jayde Nicole, Jessica Sutta, Kim Shaw, Jessica Meraz, Mandy Jiroux, Blake Cooper Griffin, Ashley Bell, Simone Reyes, Jona Weinhofen, and Shannon K among others.

Award presenters, including Moby and Kat Von D, spoke of the organization’s immense impact in preventing animal suffering in the nine countries in which they work: the US, UK, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Germany, India and China.

Sharon Nunez, Co-Founder and President of Animal Equality, said, “Saturday was a stellar night, with more than 250 people both celebrating and contributing to important progress for animals worldwide, as well as honoring the achievements of our visionary award winners.”

Following a beautiful vegan meal, featuring Hungry Planet, Harmless Harvest and Miyoko’s Kitchen, Miyoko Schinner, founder of Miyoko’s Kitchen was awarded the Compassionate Company Award by 16-year-old singer-songwriter Shannon K. Shannon went vegan after attending Animal Equality’s 10th anniversary gala last year.

Also honored were Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, who received the Visionary Leader Award from Animal Equality’s Co-founder and President, Sharon Nunez; TV personality, public speaker and animal activist, Marco Antonio Regil, who took home the Animal Hero Award, which he received from Kat Von D. And Moby presented Ariel Nessel with the Philanthropic Impact Award. On receipt of his award, Mr. Nessel pledged to match all donations made on the night.

Echoing the acceptance speech of Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, musician and Animal Activist Moby, who recently celebrated his 30 year vegan anniversary, said: “I liked what you said about consigning animal agriculture to the dustbin of history – it’s going to happen – it just can’t happen soon enough.”

Kat Von D added: “It’s an amazing time to be vegan!”

Speaking about the work of Animal Equality’s brave investigators around the world, Marco Antonio Regil said: “After watching these videos I knew this was something I couldn’t be aligned with. It was in this moment that I decided to change. It was a difficult choice, but I knew that this was something I had to do as it was in my heart and it feels amazing because I can work with organizations like Animal Equality.”

Animal Equality is an international farmed animal protection organization working in the US,  UK, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, India and China to end cruelty to farmed animals and promote plant-based eating for the benefit of people, animals and the environment. Rated as one of only three Top Charity’s by independent assessors Animal Charity Evaluators, Animal Equality is known for its ground-breaking investigations, legislative and corporate outreach work and educational outreach.

The organization’s virtual reality 360 film series, the latest edition of which was narrated by actress and animal advocate Evanna Lynch, was released at Sundance in 2016. The series, which transports the viewer into factory farms and slaughterhouses, has since been featured in The New York Times, Daily Mail, Vice, BBC, Times of India, El Pais, and other noteable global media. It has also been short-listed for a number of international awards.

In support of the charity’s work, silent auction and gift bag items were generously donated by Kat Von D; Miyoko’s Kitchen; Dr. Bronner’s; Tofurky; Glampotel; BeGlammed; LA Dodgers; SpaRitual; EcoTools; Roots Beauty; LA Organic Tanning; Sambazon; AirSelfie; Effi, artists Suzanne Currie, David Drebin, Domingo Zapata, Mr. Clever and many more. All of the beautiful floral arrangements were donated by Foxgloves & Folly.