Hosted by PETA’s own Paul McCartney, the festivities at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles drew more than 2,500 people, who were treated to delectable vegan food provided by Hollywood eateries, a dazzling awards ceremony and rocking sets by the B-52’s, Chrissie Hynde and Paul himself who premiered cuts from his new album, Run, Devil, Run!


Cohosts Alec Baldwin, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Lee Curtis and Woody Harrelson, along with presenters Gillian Anderson, Kristen Johnston, Anne Heche, Ricki Lake, Christina Applegate and Bob Costas, honored James Cromwell, Alicia Silverstone, the B-52’s, supermodel Magali Amadei,Bill Maher, Steven Seagal, Stella McCartney, designer Todd Oldham, Kathy Najimy, Richard Pryor, and animal advocates Helga Tacreiter, Elaine Keeve Sloane and Carol Holub.

Sarah McLachlan performed her poignant ballad “Angel” to accompany a video tribute to Linda. Visibly moved, Paul then presented the Linda McCartney Memorial Award to Pamela Anderson Lee for her outstanding advocacy work for animals, especially those abused for fur and in entertainment.

A live Webcast of the gala, produced and directed on a pro-bono basis by the Creative Internet Group, was seen by nearly 30,000 people—making it one of the most widely watched live events on the Internet. TV channel VH1 also aired a one-hour special of the event.

Thanks to Paul Mitchell Professional Salon Products and CEO John Paul DeJoria (pictured with his wife, Eloise, and Paul) for their presenting sponsorship of the gala. One of the first cruelty-free companies, Paul Mitchell is a leader in the fight to ban animal tests.

We asked gala attendees that question. Here’s what they had to say: “Respect the lives of all creatures. I think it’s really arrogant to treat animals with such absolute cruelty. We don’t need any product that they give us.” —Alicia Silverstone “Love them. The reason I love my dog so much is because when I come home, he’s the only one in the world who treats me like I’m the Beatles.” —Bill Maher “Adopt one! I think that adopting animals is the best thing to do. Stay away from those malls!” —Christina Applegate “Go veggie.” —Rosanna Arquette “Animals can’t speak up for themselves. That is why it is so important for us as human beings with a voice to protect them and stand up for them.” —Gillian Anderson “Respect them like we respect ourselves. Who are we to ruin their lives thinking it’s going to help ours?” —Montel Williams “Educate yourself. The millennium is going to be cruelty-free.” —Pamela Anderson Lee “Don’t eat them.” —James Cromwell “We have to view all life as equal.” —Steven Seagal

Our deepest appreciation to these companies for their sponsorship of PETA’s Millennium Gala and for helping us raise consciousness as well as funds for the animals!	Presenting Sponsor Paul Mitchell Professional Salon Products Premier Sponsors The Peter Max Studio PLANTRAGEOUS Worldwide Major Sponsors Creative Internet Group Ltd. Culinary Revolution Hotel Inter-Continental Los Angeles St. Maarten Spirits, Ltd. Associate Sponsors Chantal Cloutier and The Cloutier Agency Communications Corporation of America Future Lighting Gardenburger, Inc. LA Party Works LaserMedia, Inc., and Hiro Yamagata Message!Products Music Express Limousine and Messenger Service Names in the News California, Inc. Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. TRIPLEX Direct Marketing Corporation
Thanks to Chantal Cloutier and the Cloutier Agency, top hair and makeup stylists, who always donate their services to make the stars in PETA’s ads and events look great.