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Celebrating Compassion: Our 5th Annual Thanksliving at JP Farm Animal Sanctuary

posted by Britt Janssen | October 15, 2025

Ronald the turkey, or Ronnie for short, is an important member of the JP family.

You can help by sharing their story

As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the warmth of autumn, we’re thrilled to host our 5th Annual Thanksliving Fundraiser at JP Farm Animal Sanctuary — a celebration of gratitude, compassion, and connection with the incredible beings who call our sanctuary home.

Unlike traditional Thanksgiving gatherings, Thanksliving flips the script. Instead of serving animals, we celebrate them. Our residents — from our sweet cows and steers and playful pigs to our curious chickens and our beloved turkey, Ronnie — will be treated to a festive feast of apples, pumpkins, and other favorite treats. Watching them enjoy their feast is the heart of this day — a joyful reminder of why we do what we do.

And since Ronnie is always the star of the day, here are 5 fun facts about turkeys that might make you smile:

  1. They have amazing memories — turkeys can recognize over 100 faces and voices.
  2. They purr when they’re happy (yes, just like cats!).
  3. They love to dance — fluffing their feathers and strutting proudly when excited.
  4. They blush! Their heads can turn from red to blue depending on how they feel.
  5. They’re quick and agile, able to run up to 20 mph and even fly short distances at 55 mph!

A glimpse from last year’s ThanksLiving Fundraiser

After the animals enjoy their treats, we humans will gather for delicious vegan bites prepared by local vegan chef Amy Lovett from ‘Love It Vegan’. It’s always a beautiful afternoon of community — sharing delicious food, stories, and laughter surrounded by the peaceful energy of our sanctuary.

This event is not only a celebration, but also an important fundraiser to support our ongoing mission. Proceeds will help complete our new barn and fencing, fund Ferdinand’s custom braces, Ellie May’s new wheelchair, and provide essential medical care for all of our residents. Our online silent auction and raffle are another fun way to get involved and help make a lasting difference for the animals.

Thanksliving is our way of expressing gratitude — for the lives we’ve been able to rescue/adopt, for those we continue to care for, and for the compassionate community that makes it all possible. Together, we celebrate life, kindness, and the hope for a more compassionate world.

Get your tickets here and hurry as we have limited tickets on a first come, first served basis.

🧡 Join us in giving thanks!

With loads of gratitude,
The JP Family

Would you like to be a part of the sanctuary community? Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or make a donation.

Share the goodness, for goodness sake …. 😉

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JP Farm Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit, tax-exempt. 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN 83-1674833)

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