On December 12th, 2014 we hosted our first Green Carpet Benefit at Mesa Lounge in Costa Mesa, California, which included the premiere of our anticipated call-to-action PSA iThemba (the Zulu word for “hope”), narrated by 6 time Emmy Award-winning actor and dedicated activist, Ed Asner.

​

Guests arrived to a green carpet and had the opportunity to have their photographs taken in front of a Generation Awakening back drop. On their way in, they were greeted with a glass of champagne and hand-passed appetizers. Sticking with the environmental and animal friendly-theme, all of the food served for the evening was vegan and delicious (bruschetta, mushroom tempura, fried olives and vegan sliders). Prior to the PSA screening, the guests had the opportunity to bid on the silent auction pieces. The silent-auction showcased items donated by Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, LSTN Headphones, Paddleboard Bliss, Yard House, custom-shaped surfboards, an African Safari trip package and much more.

​

The highlight of the evening was the screening of iThemba and witnessing the audience’s positive response to the film. Like its title, iThemba’s focus is on reminding our society that it is entirely up to us to decide the outcome of the poaching crisis in Africa. The fate of the elephants, rhinos and lions is in our hands; “it is up to you and me to decide: who lives, and who dies”. There is hope for all of the endangered species on our planet, hope because humans are the reason they are in danger in the first place. We have to join together, collectively, to reverse the damage we have caused, and it can be done, “the paths we choose today will decide the fate of the future”.

We have received endless positive feedback on both the event itself, as well as on iThemba and we cannot wait to share the film with the world when we release it virally on January 20th, 2015. Here at Generation Awakening, we are confident that iThemba’s impact will be far-reaching, and we need the support of all of you to help make it happen—please share iThemba with everyone you know! “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela. 
 
Generation Awakening is beyond grateful to everyone that came out to support wildlife conservation. We are pleased to announce that, with your help and generosity, and with the support of our wonderful auction-donors, we raised an estimated total of over $8,000 for conservation efforts! If you were unable to attend our green carpet screening you can watch our PSA iThemba here: https://www.youtube.com/user/GenerationAwakeTV which we will be launching on January 20th, 2015.

 

Thank you for all of your support in the past, present and future and stay tuned for future events and projects!

Special thanks to the following:

Ed Asner
Mesa Lounge
Andy Nethery (editor)
Born Free
WESSA
Amboseli Trust for Elephants
Bradley Trevor Greive
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
31 Bits
LSTN Headphones
Paddleboard Bliss
Mamma Chia
Just Food For Dogs
TESLA
Gardein
Yardhouse
Cheesecake Factory
CPK
PF Changs
Fig + Olive
R & D Kitchen
Native Foods
Veggie Grill
Earth Balance
PRP Wine International
Paradise ORAC Energy
Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa
Aquarium of the Pacific
Black Surf
Wyland Foundation
Ballard & Ballard
William Harold & Sons
Zulu Nyala South Africa Photo Safari