Joan and Jerry Kover of Scottsdale, Arizona, have volunteered with local animal shelters for many years, but when they learned about the work The HSUS was doing on behalf of farm animals, they decided it was time to help a national organization, too. The Kovers hosted a reception at their home to give guests the opportunity to meet Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, and Matthew Scully, former presidential speechwriter and author of Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals and the Call to Mercy. The two talked about the terrible conditions that many farm animals face and what The HSUS is doing to improve the lives of billions of animals.

"There were about 75 people in the room and you could have heard a pin drop as they were speaking," said Joan, who received several cards from friends thanking her for a lovely and enlightening evening. "For me, the event was a gift from God," Joan continued. "I hadn't considered giving up red meat before, but I have given it up now, because of the animals. It's such a healthier way of living."

In addition to educating the guests, the reception also raised several thousand dollars for The HSUS's new campaign to protect farm animals. Ron Burns, The HSUS's artist in residence, donated a signed lithograph that was auctioned during the reception.

Many other people across the nation, including Dr. James and Beverly Cohn of Palm Springs, California, have hosted similar receptions to help spread the word about our work. The Cohns invited many friends, including singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, to an event at their home to raise awareness about the activities of The HSUS Hollywood Office, which works with the television and movie industries to promote humane issues.