Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 | Encino, Calif.

An Intimate Evening in the Valley

Join us for an intimate and inspirational evening at the beautiful private home of longtime Physicians Committee supporters in Encino.

Gather with fellow PCRM supporters for delicious plant-powered food, meaningful conversation, and an inspiring look at the work we’re doing to build a healthier, more compassionate future.

PCRM Founder and President Dr. Neal Barnard and Director of Research Advocacy Ryan Merkley will share exciting updates on our work to end animal experiments, advance human-relevant research, and advocate for policies that save both animal and human lives.

We’ll also honor acclaimed restaurateur and friend Chef Tal Ronnen with our 2026 Vegan Visionary Award, recognizing his decades-long commitment to elevating plant-based cuisine and inspiring compassionate dining.

An intimate and inspirational evening awaits you in the valley!

Event Details

Private Residence | Encino, Calif.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
4-7 p.m.

Schedule

4 p.m. – Arrival, mocktails, appetizers, and a delicious buffet of plant-powered bites
5:15 p.m. – Award presentation and inspiring updates from Dr. Barnard and special guests
6 p.m. – Fund-a-Need and live auction
6:30 p.m. – Dessert and mix-and-mingle reception

VIP Experience

A limited number of VIP tickets are available. VIP guests will enjoy:

• An exclusive pre-event reception with Dr. Barnard and special guests
• Priority seating during the program
• A special gift from PCRM
• Professional photos with Dr. Barnard and fellow guests

Support PCRM

Your participation helps strengthen PCRM’s lifesaving work to end animal experiments, advance human-relevant research, and advocate for policies that save both animal and human lives.

Want to make a weekend of it?

Join us the evening before for our IMPACT! event at Moose Mountain Vineyard in San Martin, Calif., featuring beautiful scenery, inspiring speakers, and the presentation of PCRM’s 2026 Voice of Compassion Award to Ocean Robbins and his late father, John Robbins.

Learn more about the San Martin event and the full IMPACT! weekend →

**Would you like to join the host committee? Please contact Marcia Slackman at mslackman [at] pcrm.org or 202-527-7381 for more information.

A Special Thank-You to Our Host Committee

Platinum Chairs

Mick Davoudian and Jeff Hoffman

Mountain Chair

Rich Schmidt, MD

Opening the Cage Partners

Grace Kadoya

Robert Kieve Foundation

Robert Schlaudecker. MD

Pacesetters for Animals and People

Arnold Aigen, MD, and Mrs. Beverly Aigen

Sandra D. Rowley

Phil Selway

Sandra Sprague

Compassion Champions

Ari and Maggie Harkov

Elaine Carlitz, MD, and John Husokowski, MD

Charlotte Cressey

Sue and Lewis Michaels

Marge Wurgel and Keith Mesecher

Debbie Stevens

Golden Carrot Patrons

Tim and Bobbe Moore

Jill Sideman

Compassion Ambassadors

Jay and Rene Ruston

Ronnie Steinau