08/30/2026
Yesterday’s Vegan Picnic at Broome Animal Sanctuary was nothing short of extraordinary. We originally capped attendance at 35 guests, but in the final 48 hours we received so many additional requests that we reopened ticket sales, and nearly 50 wonderful guests joined us for a day of vegan fellowship, compassion, and connection with the animals who call BAS home. A good time was truly had by all.
This picnic was planned as our final brunch of the year, but the enthusiasm, kindness, and encouragement we received yesterday have inspired us to consider hosting an October event. Stay tuned as this story develops.
Yesterday’s success was made possible by an incredible group of Wattles’ Warriors whose dedication, love, and hard work brought the entire day to life.
• Elizabeth Guare devoted 72 straight hours, including overnight, to cleaning, organizing, and preparing the venue. Her commitment to helping sanctuaries throughout the Capital Region and beyond is nothing short of remarkable.
• Sandy, Greg’s mother, spent the entire week prior in the kitchen baking desserts and preparing baked goods for the weekend. Even with all she did for the event, she still made sure Greg and I were fed and cared for.
• Carol volunteered at the produce stand with Sandy to ensure every guest and customer was welcomed and taken care of. She is always doing something to support BAS, from donating her time to creating beautiful latch hook pillows for our gift shop and auctions.
• Auntie Jane and Heather Anne ran the raffle and managed the gift shop with enthusiasm and warmth, making sure every visitor was happy. Heather, a manager at one of our local Dollar General stores, is incredibly supportive and generous to BAS through their annual blanket drive.
• Brandon and JohnPaul handled prep, cooking, and assisted Greg with tours. Their energy and dedication were invaluable. I’ll be sharing a separate post about a beautiful butterfly conservation moment we experienced yesterday thanks to JohnPaul’s butterfly repopulation efforts.
• Julia and LeRoy Kopp, our dear friends, drove all the way from Pennsylvania to help prepare for the picnic. Their support, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the animals who call BAS home mean more than words can express. They even made sure the animals were included in the festivities by providing enough produce and treats for every resident.
And finally, to our wonderful guests, thank you. We welcomed visitors from across New York State, Massachusetts, Long Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and even California. One guest from California stopped by the produce stand by chance last week while visiting her mother and returned to join us for the picnic. Your presence, kindness, and enthusiasm filled the sanctuary with joy.
Hopefully I didn’t forget anyone, there were just so many wonderful people involved. “Thank you” hardly captures the depth of our gratitude. Every person who attended, volunteered, baked, cleaned, organized, cooked, traveled, or supported us in any way helped make yesterday a day overflowing with compassion and community.
We love and appreciate each one of you.
If you attended yesterday and have any photos to share, we’d love to see them and hear about your experience.
Oinks of Love,
Tony & Greg
