23rd Annual International Compassionate Living Festival Deemed a Success
Over 85% of Attendees Plan to Return Next Year

RALEIGH, NC (10/6/08) -- From October 3 to October 5, 2008, over 170 animal advocates from across the globe gathered for the 23rd annual International Compassionate Living Festival, continuing the promise to provide a voice to animals. The event featured presentations, performances and dialogue about contemporary animal rights issues.

The festival was founded in 1985 by Culture and Animals Foundation, which continues to co-produce the event. “Over the past two decades, the festival has remained vibrant by drawing animal advocates from all parts of the movement -- newcomers and veterans alike,” said Tom Regan of Culture and Animals Foundation. “Through networking and dialogue, we welcome a variety of viewpoints while celebrating our shared values of animal advocacy.”

Of this year’s attendees who responded to a post-event survey, 87% plan to attend next year’s festival and 70% said they would “definitely recommend” it to others.

In addition, 68% of respondents reported being “very satisfied” with the overall experience, with the event’s networking, speakers, topics and academic focus as particularly valuable.

“As it always has,” Regan said, “the 2008 Festival embodied CAF’s focus: Think. Create. Explore. Celebrate."

Plans are already under way for the 2009 conference, which will be held October 3 – 5 in Raleigh, NC.

About Culture and Animals Foundation
Culture and Animals Foundation (CAF) is the only organization exclusively dedicated to intellectual and artistic expression to raise awareness of animal rights. With a unique approach best described as cultural activism, CAF funds academic and artistic projects that raise public awareness about concern for animals, and co-produces the International Compassionate Living Festival, a three-day forum that engages animal advocates in dialogue about today’s most critical animal rights issues. CAF was founded in 1985 by Tom and Nancy Regan, who continue as the driving forces of the organization.

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