Earthsave Event with John Robbins

by Kelly Erwin
The Organized Vegan

I’ve been a volunteer for Native Foods for many years now.  I’ve helped cater many a fun event with Chef Tanya, from weddings to parties to fundraisers.

Sunday night’s fundraiser was truly a night to remember!  This event was to raise money and awareness for an amazing organization called Earthsave.  Earthsave has come up with a program called Meals for Health which helps educate low income families learn about healthier food choices, such as eating a plant based diet.  Meals for Health to me a breakthrough idea!  Check out the website www.earthsave.org and learn about this innovative way to teach people how to eat healthy and delicious food.

The fundraiser was at a magnificent house in Beverly Hills.  We walked into the backyard and I thought how beautiful this is.  Little did I know the backyard went all the way down the hill!  All I could think of was how much my dogs would love this backyard!!  Everyone at the party looked so beautiful and festive with their summer frocks and crisp linen suits.  There were hanging Chinese lanterns and lilting music playing as we started to set up the food.  There was Scorpion Burgers, Ensalada Azteca, Baja Surf Tacos, Twister Wraps and the Trio Salads (with Chef Tanya’s Tempeh Pate..my personal fave!)  And for dessert there were Boogie Bars, Chocolate  Love pie and my oh my…CHEESECAKE WITH BLUEBERRIES!!!

We had the pleasure of hearing some great speakers, including Rip Esselstyn and John Robbins himself.  Gosh I love that man!!  His book, Diet For A New America changed my life forever back in 1988.  After reading that book I was so shocked and stunned at the realities of where we get our food, I swore off eating animals  forever.

He continues to write books that encourage me and educate me.  And the best thing about John is his ultimate message.  LOVE EVERYONE. And everyone includes ALL ANIMALS, from the tiniest to the largest, let’s just LOVE.  What the world needs now is Love Sweet Love.  My hope for our animals and humans is that one day, we can change the words to Mr. Bacharach’s timeless song to “what the world HAS now, is love sweet love”.  John Robbins and his wonderful wife Deo are helping to do just that.

The highlight of the night was sitting in a small room inside the home of the couple who graciously hosted the party.  We walked in to find people sitting in big comfy chairs and scattered on the floor by the sofa where John and Deo were sitting and talking.  John was telling us about his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King and how much he misses him.  I felt like I was with a group of old friends that I’ve know for years.  Some famous people and not so famous were gathered around listening to John’s soft spoken words.  We were all one big group gathered together with a solid mission to end cruelty to animals and humans alike.  It was quite a fun and inspiring evening in Beverly Hills, CA!!

Organizing Tip!

If you find that your kitchen counter is too cluttered with products you use frequently, try using a small lazy susan.  You can put your oils, spices, salt and pepper and any product you use on a day to day basis.  If you have a larger counter area, try the larger lazy susan.  You’ll be amazed at how much that will clear your counters and your mind!  Zen your kitchen and you zen your life!

Comments

[Gail Davis]

I really wish I could have been there, Kelly. It sounds like it was a lovely evening.

[Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T.]

It was a magical evening indeed! I loved the minutes in the room listening to John the best! He inspires like no other!

I wrote a blog called "Elevation" about how John not only inspires, but elevates...it is here if you want to read: http://toyourhealthnutrition.blogspot.com/2010/06/elevation.html

Thank you for the amazing catering job! The food was delicious and just made the night all the more perfect!