We had the honor and great fortune to host Gene Baur, co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary — often referred to as “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine — as he embarked on a heartfelt speaking tour through Connecticut. His talks endeavored to inspire compassionate living and raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health impacts of our food choices. His work has paved the way for JP and so many other Farm Animal Sanctuaries around the world.

Gene’s heartfelt speaking tour across Connecticut

University of New Haven: Changing Hearts and Minds

On April 9, Gene spoke to students and faculty at the University of New Haven, hosted by Virginia Maxwell. His talk, “Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food,” explored how our dietary choices shape the world around us — from animal welfare to climate change. The event sparked meaningful discussions and planted seeds of thought that will undoubtedly grow.

Wesleyan University: Changing Hearts and Minds

Then the next day it was off to Wesleyan University, hosted by Elan Abrell, where Gene continued spreading the message of ethical eating and sustainability. We arrived in Middletown early enough to stop at ION Restaurant: Vegan and Organic for great cookies and coffee – the perfect fuel to continue the talks at Wesleyan where he offered different perspectives on the way we think about food, showing how plant-based choices can help us protect animals and the planet — and inspired a lot of curious minds to explore those ideas more deeply.

Kara’s Cures on Channel 3: How to Eat Better for the World

During his visit, Gene also appeared on WFSB’s Kara’s Cures, where he spoke about how eating more mindfully not only improves our health but also has ripple effects across the planet. His conversation helped bring Farm Sanctuary’s message to a broader audience across Connecticut, highlighting his two books: Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food and Living the Farm Sanctuary Life: How to Eat Healthier, Live Longer, and Feel Better Every Day.

A reminder that change is possible, and compassion is contagious.

Aroy Thai Garden Vegan Restaurant Hosted by CT Vegan Center: Dining with Purpose

That evening, supporters gathered at Aroy Thai Garden Vegan Restaurant for a special buffet dinner with Gene. The event was a celebration of plant-based cuisine and a space for like-minded individuals to connect and reflect on shared values. The atmosphere was vibrant, warm, and full of hope after Gene spoke which aligns with CT Vegan Center’s mission is to inspire people to treat animals with respect and kindness, and live vegan. 

JP Farm Animal Sanctuary: Compassion in Action

Gene wrapped up the tour with a visit to JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, where he shared the history of Farm Sanctuary, its mission as well as animal advocacy accompanied with legislative wins for animal rights. Here, he celebrated the power of compassion in action. The sanctuary was the perfect setting to close the tour with our community and new friends — a living example of what kindness and advocacy can build. After the talk with lively Q&A and book signing, our guests enjoyed connecting with the JP animal residents and the delicious vegan catered food!

Gratitude to Our Community

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our community. We are deeply thankful for all the volunteers, donors, and organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these events to life.

Special thanks to our wonderful plant-based caterers who nourished attendees and added so much flavor to the experience:

• G-Monkey Mobile – for bringing their award winning, delicious, and sustainable vegan street food to the table

• Ayla’s Bagels & Coffee – for their incredible support and yummy plant-based treats

• Love It Vegan – for the comfort food that everyone loves

The Journey Continues

Gene Baur’s time in Connecticut was more than a speaking tour — it was a reminder that change is possible, and compassion is contagious. Through education, connection, and delicious food, we took steps forward together.

Let’s keep the momentum going — until compassion is the norm, and all beings are treated with the kindness they deserve.

With inspiration, motivation, and action,

The JP Family

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