“I was always empathetic with animals. It’s a terrible and self-involved point of view that we do something because someone else is exploitable.” – Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin: Wait Don’t Kill Me Comedy Benefit – Free Billy the Elephant
“The elephants became so symbolic to me, the evidence (of their treatment) so clear. And I wanted to tie it together and show how inured we are to that around the planet,” said Lily Tomlin, Oscar-nominated actress (Nashville) and comedian.
Comedy, when it’s really cooking, can be both a lighthearted escape from the real world. And a fierce finger-pointing accusation of Humankind at our worst. Comedy can be both at once.
I’ve always loved the comedians. The funnymen and funnywomen who just break me up when I’m feeling smug and unbroken and need the tickle of a bed slat. Lily Tomlin, dear Lily, is one of our faves. Our first date movie for Mary Lee, my beloved wife-to-be, and me was Star Wars.
I made up for that by taking her to a number of musicals and comedies after that, culminating with 9 to 5 with Lily, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton.
Lily’s gifts to us are her Characters. Sometimes funny. Sometimes deeper than that — glimpses into Lily’s heart.
Lily has never stopped bringing that laughter, those playful characters, while speaking up for endangered animals, which endears her to us all the more. Her Free Billy campaign has scored some successes, bless her.
“I had done some animal activism and donated money,” Lily has explained, but “becoming enlightened about elephants” prompted her to focus on their plight. Lily demands that we “EVOLVE!”
And now Lily Tomlin brings news of her “Wait Wait, Don’t Kill Me!” Comedy Benefit.
Emmy® and Tony®-winning, Academy Award®-nominated actress and animal advocate Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie) joined actress June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie). And Craig Ferguson (The Craig Ferguson Show). Casey Wilson (Happy Endings). Who together bring the laughs to “Wait Wait, Don’t Kill Me!” a night of unforgettable comedy and entertainment benefiting Voice For The Animals Foundation (VFTA).
Presented by Honeysweet Creative, this ninth annual fundraiser was hosted by actor Paul Scheer (The League). All proceeds go to support VFTA as they continue their fight for creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, legislation and advocacy, including their work to free Billy the Elephant from the L.A. Zoo (#FreeBillyNow).
The evening began with a star-studded VIP (Vegan Important People) Reception and red carpet followed by the “Wait Wait, Don’t Kill Me!” comedy program. Councilmember Paul Koretz introduced the program with Melya Kaplan, Executive Director, Voice For The Animals.
Cher, honorary Co-Chair, sent a touching video message from Las Vegas . She asked for support to help Billy the elephant find placement in an elephant sanctuary. Artist Matt Shapira created a painting of Billy the Elephant that was auctioned off during the program. The West Los Angeles Animal Shelter spotlighted six precious dogs that were available for adoption. The event was produced and directed by Erick Weiss, Honeysweet Creative.
What a night!
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
Did you like this voice for the Animals Post?
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ABOUT VOICE FOR THE ANIMALS FOUNDATION:
Voice For The Animals (VFTA) is a 501c3, non-profit charitable foundation. It’s devoted to creating respect and empathy for animals through education, rescue, legislation, and advocacy. The organization was founded by Melya Kaplan in 1999 when she realized that although there were many great rescuers, there was a dire need for a new type of animal protection organization. One with programs to empower people to help more animals.
VFTA has many programs that focus on animal protection, including an Animal Assistance Hotline, Rescue and Adoption, Working Cats, LA Zoo Watch, Helping Friends, Abuse Prevention, Humane Education, Political Animal, Feral Colonies, and VFTA in Greece. As well as Animal Films, and an Elephants in Captivity Awareness Campaign.
The Captivity is Not Conservation campaign is devoted to educating people about the plight of Billy the Elephant and his life in captivity. Connect with the Voices for the Animals Foundation at vftafoundation.org and #FreeBillyNow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To learn more about Billy the Elephant and to sign the petition to get Billy to a sanctuary, visit www.helpbilly-vfta.org.
Source: Voice For The Animals (VFTA), PRNewswire & Civilized Bears
Title: Lily Tomlin: Wait Don’t Kill Me Comedy Benefit – Free Billy the Elephant
Keywords: #FreeBillyNow, animal rights, comedy, Comedy Benefit, Free Billy the Elephant, June Diane Raphael, Lily Tomlin, Lily Tomlin Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin Frankie, VFTA, Voice For The Animals, Wait Don’t Kill Me, wildlife
