Idealists Welcome at the Imagine Gathering @LasaSanctuary

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Sat 11/1 @ 6 – 10pm

The world is a harsh place, but it doesn’t always have to be. Take a break from the hard-knocks of life, take a moment away from the isolation, step back from the bad news stories and spend an evening with people trying to make the world a better place.

Sound idealistic? It is, and that’s the beauty of it. Lasa Sanctuary invites you to their Imagine Gathering, an evening of inspiration and community. Spend time with other do-gooders and eat, laugh, dance and discuss dreams for a brighter world. And feel good by helping out the sanctuary.

Located on 10.6 acres in Jefferson in Ashtabula County, Lasa Sanctuary rescues farm animals from abuse and neglect situations. The sanctuary currently has 64 animals in their care, with five more on the way. They care for 13 different species — from cows, pigs, turkeys and sheep to chickens, cats, dogs and more — housed among three small barns and a 7 acre pasture.

Lasa Sanctuary is a place where workers gladly give up their only bathtub so an injured duck can swim in peace. Where cows formerly raised for beef are allowed to roam without any fears of ending up as a hamburger. Where farm animals can live without a dollar sign attached to them.

Lasa founder/director Joy Karuna says, “…Our mission is to provide connection between people and animals. We want people to see them, to feel them, to honor, love, and protect them. They have names, interests, habits, fears, best friends, and senses of humor.”

The sanctuary advocates for a vegan lifestyle in order to minimize suffering and promote respect for all beings.

The Imagine Gathering will have a vegan potluck, so guests are asked to bring a dish free of any animal ingredients to share. Besides food, the Gathering will feature music form the ’60s and ’70s performed by David Rosen in his Hippie Jukebox Flashback concert. Guests will hear how Lasa grew “from a humble dream to an awesome reality” via photos and tales of the rescued animals in their care.

Says Karuna, “The Imagine Gathering is intended to be a celebration of inspiration and the power of our community. We want to tell our story and encourage others to find their own inspiration to become active their own ways. John Lennon and the music/movement of the 1960s has been a powerful influence on my life and activism, we want to honor that spirit in both merriment and momentum.”

There will also be raffles, door prizes and a Karuna Sonnet photography show. Guests are also asked to bring or create something meaningful to be hidden away in a “Be The Change” Time Capsule.

Currently the sanctuary isn’t open to the public but you can schedule private tours of 6 or fewer during the months of May-Oct by contacting Lasa through their website. Want to help? Animal sponsorships are a great way to support an animal’s care.

“We of course need funding but even more than that, animal sponsorships get people connected to specific animals who they can then brag about and share with others,” says Karuna. “Caring is infectious. Our sponsorship levels include $10/month: chicken, duck, turkey, dog, cat, raccoon; $20/month: sheep, pig; $35/month: cattle; $50/month barnyard.

“We also have an Amazon wishlist and can always use donations of items such as old blankets and towels, tools, pet supplies.”

Go on, be a dreamer. You won’t be the only one.

The Imagine Gathering takes place Sat 11/1 from 6 – 10pm at the Lodge at Allardale in Medina. Be sure to RSVP. Have kids? No babysitter needed — children are welcome.

http://supporterwall.com

http://lasasanctuary.org

Cool Cleveland editor Sarah Valek studied art and writing at Ithaca College. After graduation, she came back to Cle and served two years as an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She can be found on all sides of the city in pursuit of homeschooling activities for her son and the perfect soy latte. Contact her at CoolEditorATCoolCleveland.com or via Twitter.

 

 

 

 

Medina, OH 44256

 

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