Steve-O to Receive PETA Activism Award at Sublime Restaurant Reception

Stuntman and Comedian to Be Honored Saturday in Fort Lauderdale

For Immediate Release:
July 15, 2011

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. -- When Jackass star Steve-O's international stand-up comedy tour lands in Fort Lauderdale this Saturday, the author of Professional Idiot: A Memoir will be welcomed by Nanci Alexander, owner of gourmet vegan restaurant Sublime and founder of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. Alexander will present Steve-O with the Nanci Alexander Award during a champagne and vegan caviar reception at Sublime.

When:   Saturday, July 16, 4 p.m.

Where:  Sublime, 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale

Who knew that Steve-O, a clown college graduate, would end up blowing the whistle on Ringling's elephant abuse and become an ally of animals? In the past year, Steve-O has teamed with PETA to perform and appear in provocative, quirky, and serious ads that send messages decrying the use of fur and other animal skins in fashion and that show kids and teachers how to learn biology without taking a frog's or a cat's life. Now a vegan, Steve-O uses his public appearances as opportunities to speak up for animals who are in trouble. He most recently led a protest outside Edmonton's Valley Zoo, which keeps an old elephant, Lucy, in isolation.

"Steve-O may be a comedian, but to animals in trouble, he's a real champ," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "There's lots to laugh about in life, but animal abuse isn't funny, as Steve-O is quick to point out."

"[B]eing a vegan, caring about animals … all of this compassion … in my lifestyle is the reward in and of itself," says Steve-O.

Attending the award reception will be Sarah Wingo, the Florida middle-school student who successfully stood up against a teacher who ridiculed her decision not to dissect a frog in her biology class, and Anna Ware, a Georgia woman who persuaded her county's council to ban bullhooks from circus events. Telemundo host Natalia Villaveces, actor and former Miss Panama Patricia De León, and Miami Ink tattoo artist Ami James will also be attending.

Sublime offers a naturally cholesterol-free menu and a full-service bar featuring organic wines and spirits. Its hours of operation are 5:30–10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The telephone number is 954-615-1431.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or sublimerestaurant.com.