On October 13, 2012,
Bob Barker and Jorja Fox led a host of celebrities joining Animal Defenders International founders Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips at Lion Ark Night, a fundraiser to support ADI’s Lion Ark movie and work to save animals – the undercover investigations, campaigns and animal rescues.

Hosted by James Costa in his stunning home in the Hollywood Hills, this special night honored the lifetime work of Emmy award-winning TV host and philanthropist Bob Barker, 2012 recipient of the international Lord Houghton Award for Services to Animal Welfare, and actress Jorja Fox (CSI’s Sarah Sidle), 2012 recipient of the ADI Animal Champion Award.

Over 250 people attended this star-studded fundraiser, themed around Operation Lion Ark. James Costa opened the evening and the night included speeches from ADI’s Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips, Shannon Keith of ARME, and our award winners – CSI actress Jorja Fox and legendary TV host Bob Barker, whose rousing speech had the audience moved to tears one moment and roaring with laughter the next.

There were also cheers, tears, and gasps as short scenes were played from the forthcoming movie Lion Ark. The film is the story of the undercover investigations, public awareness, the new law and then the final seizure and rescue of every animal from Bolivia’s circuses. Lion Ark is due out in the spring of 2013 (details at LionArkTheMovie.com).

It was certainly a night for Hollywood to support the campaign to end the use of animals in traveling circuses, and LA’s animal protection community arrived in force and turned on the glamour for the animals. Paparazzi and TV crews crushed onto the red carpet.

In addition to our award winners, our celebrity guests included: Sharna Burgess & Elisabetta Canalis (Dancing with the Stars), Dr. Jenn Berman (Host, Couples Therapy), James Reynolds (Days of Our Lives), Cas Anvar (Lost, Diana), Corey Feldman (Stand By Me, The Lost Boys), Tanna Frederick (Just 45 Minutes from Broadway), Aaron Fresh (TeenNick), Jamie Gray Hyder (True Blood), Nicholas Guest (Sons of Anarchy), Julie Brown (Comedienne, Earth Girls Are Easy), Jessica Conseco, Mayte Garcia, Daphne Wayans (Hollywood Exes), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), Michelle Harris (Host, Alive & Well), Anne-Marie Johnson (Host, The Daily Schmooze), Kerri Kasem (Co-Host, Sixx Sense), Tonya Kay (Bold Native), Kat Kramer (singer), Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless), Kim Matula (The Bold and the Beautiful), Lu Parker (KTLA News), Alexandra Paul (Baywatch), Elizabeth De Razzo (Eastbound and Down), Karen Sharpe-Kramer (Golden Globe-Winning actress/producer), Mindy Sterling (Austin Powers, Ant Farm), Lynne Marie Stewart (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Mariana Tosca (actress, The Doors), and Damon Whitaker (Bird).

And our thanks to: Alternative Outfitters, Beauty Without Cruelty, Beluga Noble Russian Vodka, Calico Dragon, ecoVegan, Frey Vineyards, Gourmet Body Treats, Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, JAM Vegan Bakery, John Paul Pet, Justin’s, Lush, Mt Beautiful Vineyards, Native Foods Café, Nicobella, Rahel Ethiopian Cuisine, Repurpose, Sjaak’s Chocolates, Soaptopia, Uncle Eddie's Vegan Cookies, Veggie Grill, Vegin'Out Vegan Meal Home Delivery Service, Whole Foods Market, Kim Saxelby of True Emotions Photography.