Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, which takes in rescued farm animals, held its fourteenth annual ThanksLiving fundraising dinner last Saturday in the huge dining hall at the Sanctuary on Lucas Turnpike. A large crowd attended this sold-out event, which included a silent auction of items such as vegan handbags and juicers. At one point, the crowd went out into the cold to watch some of the turkeys get their treat: beautiful handmade pumpkin pies from the chef’s in the kitchen. Led by nine-year-old Beatrice, the turkeys made short work of the pies. Then it was back to the dining hall for food and speeches.

Filmmaker Rob Zombie and actress Sheri Moon Zombie were the honored guests, recognized for their dedication to using their public platforms to promote animal causes.

Stephanie Yazgi, a member of the Sanctuary’s board of directors, gave the welcoming remarks, followed by Ethan Climent and a video presentation by Larry Millburn showing the sanctuary’s work and history.

The Sanctuary began in Woodstock when Jenny Brown and Doug Abel began keeping rescued animals in a barn. In 2015 it moved to the 150-acre property on Lucas Turnpike that was previously a Methodist church summer camp.

ThanksLiving 2019 raised $185,000 for the Sanctuary, assuring hundreds of rescued animals that they will continue to be star attractions for visitors who want to see what sheep, chickens, turkeys, pigs and cows are actually like.

Lizz DeFeo, the Sanctuary’s marketing and communications manager, said, “These are vital funds for the winter season. The animals need hay, food in general, and warmth. This past year we had 10,000 visitors and volunteers come to the sanctuary. It was a very good year. And we opened the Grey Barn in April. That lets people stay here and enjoy an immersive experience sleeping next to the goat field. People come here and fall in love with farm animals. When people book a room at the Grey Barn, that is in itself an act of advocacy for the animals.”

The Grey Barn is a purpose-built “boutique vegan inn” with five bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and private terrace. The sanctuary also plans to open a new pig barn, which will be completed by the end of November. Tours of the Sanctuary are included with each stay, all supporting its nonprofit rescue and education mission. The Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is closed for the winter season, but will reopen in the spring.