Fundraiser for the Oakland Animal Shelter

Come to a benefit for the Oakland Animal Shelter as we feature a screening of a very special film called The Witness! About the OAKLAND ANIMAL SHELTER: The Oakland Animal Shelter is the organization that is responsible for the welfare of all animals in Oakland and handles over 11,000 animals a year. The Oakland Animal Shelter rescues and cares for stray, abused, and unwanted animals; investigates animal cruelty; enforces humane treatment laws; manages rabies control; educates the public about animals; and adopts spayed/neutered animals to loving homes. About THE WITNESS: In the award-winning documentary The Witness, Eddie Lama explains how he feared and avoided animals for most of his life, until the love of a kitten opened his heart, inspiring him to rescue abandoned animals, become a vegetarian, and ultimately, to bring his message of compassion to the streets of New York. With humor and sincerity, Eddie tells the story of his remarkable change in consciousness, sharing along the way some of the shocking realities of the meat and fur industries. From Yale Wishnik, Ph.D California Teachers Association: "THE WITNESS provides a catalyst for emphasizing the importance of relationships and the value of all life -- human and non-human animal alike. Classrooms everywhere, in and outside the schoolhouse, need to pay close attention to the message presented by Eddie Lama. His wisdom is simple, yet poignant, as he shows that nothing is more powerful than an act with a purpose and no lesson is more important than one filled with compassion. WHEN: Sunday August 3rd, 2003 at 12:30 p.m. WHERE: First Unitarian Church of Oakland – 685 14th St. at Castro (Directions can be found at www.uuoakland.org WHO: Contact colleen@justgive.org or (510) 238-5004 for more information REQUESTED DONATION: $10 (No one will be turned away for lack of funds) GOODIES: We will be serving refreshments and delicious baked goods