The smell of vegan blueberry scones created by Chef Robin, and the comfortable chatter of children relaxed my shoulders after the long flight. I was here at a holistic place of education designed to foster self-esteem, critical thinking and encourage a proactive, positive focus on cooperative learning.
“We all need more kindness in our lives. The Be an Animal Hero Project inspires all ages to be heroes to all species of animals. The individuals we are celebrating are true changemakers.”
– Susan Hargreaves
What a treat I was in for, as I began my entire week of presenting humane education programs for the entire school population, culminating with the “Be an Animal Hero” Awards at MUSE Global.
The school is the brainchild of Suzy Amis Cameron, wife of James Cameron, the “Avatar” filmmaker. Almost 10 years earlier, I had visited to recognize them with the first plant-based school in the U.S. School Hero to All Award.
The October 26 Event was part of the AnimalHerotober Global Celebration and featured the World’s First Trio of Plant-Powered Superheroes: (left to right) Veganza Animal Heroes Sky Bison, Susan Hargreaves and Korin Sutton pose with River the Cow at the Be an Animal Hero Awards
The world’s first trio of plant-powered superheroes, Veganza Animal Heroes, and trailblazing superstars – including actress and Support Feed Founder Maggie Baird and Dr. Jane Goodall – were among those honored Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the “Be an Animal Hero Celebration” at MUSE Global School, to recognize honorees’ compassionate actions to protect all species of animals and the planet.
As an educator, animal activist, book author, and event organizer/founder of Animal Hero Kids, Inc., a 501(c)(3) global charity that empowers and educates people of all ages to be heroes to ALL species of animals, I felt I had been dropped in a very special place.
The Be an Animal Hero Celebration was the pinnacle event of AnimalHerotober, a global celebration I created to encourage and recognize kind choices that benefit animals and the Earth.
Don’t we all need more kindness in our lives? The Be an Animal Hero project inspires people of all ages to consider all species, both two-legged and four. The individuals we celebrated have initiated, innovated, and acted with determination to benefit everyone, including the planet. The featured award recipients were Maggie Baird, founder of the 501(c)(3) charity Support Feed, and mother of Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Billie Eilish and Grammy award-winning writer-producer FINNEAS; “Friday” actress Angela Means; Gwenna Hunter, founder of Vegans of LA and the first vegan food bank in Los Angeles; and the world’s youngest yoga instructor/Nike athlete and vegan food truck entrepreneur, Tabay Atkins.
Be an Animal Hero also recognized world-renowned ethologist and conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall, during the event for her lifelong dedication to helping all species of animals.
The first plant-based school in the United States, the MUSE Global School, hosted the event. MUSE Global School founder, Suzy Amis Cameron, illuminated the organization’s mission. “Be an Animal Hero is creating positive influence on children of all ages and educating them on the importance of animal advocacy throughout their community and the world,” Cameron said. “I’m thrilled to bring Susan Hargreaves and her team to MUSE Global School for education and entertainment through advocacy with our amazing students.”
Among other program highlights, children sang the chorus of the new Veganza rap song by Free Bison with the plant-powered superheroes featured in the “Veganza Animal Heroes Series.” The superheroes included: vegan professional body builder and social media influencer Korin Sutton, who plays Freedom; vegan actress and model Sky Bison, who plays Courage the Mermaid; Hargreaves, who portrays Veganza; and Free Bison, the vegan rapper.
Awards Recipients:
• The Paul McCartney Young Veg Advocate Award: Tabay Atkins
• The Be an Animal Hero Kind2All Award: Maggie Baird
• The Be an Animal Hero Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Jane Goodall
• The Be an Animal Hero Innovator Award: Gwenna Hunter
• The Be an Animal Hero Compassionate Chef Entrepreneur Award: Angela Means
About Be an Animal Hero, a project of Animal Hero Kids, Inc.: Be an Animal Hero empowers and educates people of all ages to be heroes to ALL species of animals. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) achieves its goal through inspiring compassionate action and heartwarming stories of animal rescue and advocacy.
Education programs and events incorporate and celebrate a variety of delicious plant-based, cruelty-free food to promote a compassionate lifestyle. https://www.animalherokids.org/
