SF VegFest: The Bay Area Vegan Event You Don’t Want to Miss
By Christopher Gil
““It was a life-changing moment for me 20-plus years ago when I learned about the horrors of factory farming.””
The East Bay resident is a compassionate proponent of animal rights and proud San Francisco Vegan Society (SFVS) lifetime member based on his fervent support of the organization’s mission to “promote the adoption of a vegan lifestyle for healthy, ethical and sustainable living.”
Albright is just one of 80+ renowned exhibitors, speakers and culinary experts ready to inspire the plant-based community at San Francisco VegFest, a can’t-miss gathering that will attract thousands on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event is hosted by SFVS; the venue is the SMC Event Center in the city’s conveniently located Cathedral Hill neighborhood (intersection of Geary and Gough).
“Now celebrating our 27th year, San Francisco VegFest continues to meet community members wherever they’re at on their journey to a plant-based, vegan lifestyle, and this year’s stellar lineup is sure to inspire our Bay Area-wide audience,” explains Greg Rohrbach, San Francisco VegFest committee co-chair.
SFVS, a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit, hosts the annual San Francisco VegFest to bring together everyone from college students to community elders, folks new to exploring veganism to those who have practiced the lifestyle for decades. The backgrounds of this year’s heavy-hitter speakers, all vegan influencers in their own right, run the gamut from film director to best-selling author and former bodybuilding champion to local activist. Additionally, five vegan chefs will dish up their specialties. There’s something for everyone.
SFVS understands that each person’s path to veganism is a unique journey. It’s personal. Some do it for animal rights. Others for health, environmental or even religious reasons. For many, it’s a combination of all these factors. For Albright, while his experience began based on his core ethical values, he soon realized the other benefits to himself and the world.
“I was having on-and-off health issues for years, with medical experts unable to fix my symptoms. These maladies disappeared a mere three months after going vegan — and have never returned,” explains Albright. “Additionally, the animal-food industry wreaks havoc on the environment. Your vegan lifestyle is a major step toward local efforts to combat this global issue.”
True to his value around animal justice, this past spring Albright walked away from his successful career as a corporate software engineer. He now works as full-time director of operations and infrastructure at One Living Sanctuary (OLS), where he is responsible for maintenance of the extensive volume of structures on the 120-acre property. Think construction, electrical, plumbing and the like.
Located in Martinez, Calif., surrounded by the bucolic rolling hills of Contra Costa County, the nonprofit is slated to be an exhibitor at San Francisco VegFest as a way to foster community outreach and provide education. Founded in 2018 by veterinarian Dr. Faith Albright, OLS espouses a mission of “creating a peaceful community wherein all life is treated with compassion and respect.”
OLS seamlessly integrates environmentalism, advocacy and humanitarianism to create a collaborative path that has successfully been meeting that stated mission. Case in point: There are currently 80 formerly abused, now-rescued OLS “residents” able to enjoy the rest of their lives in peace and as naturally as possible. The current menagerie comprises cows, pigs, goats, horses, chickens, ducks, turkeys and pigeons. The sanctuary just had an opportunity to rehome a herd of cows; the safe haven offers seven placid acres, thereby ensuring these animals can enjoy the rest of their lives in dignity. (Show some love for OLS animal friends by taking a tour, volunteering or donating here.)
“Wade Albright, OLS and the SFVS community are exactly the kind of values-driven people who help this movement grow,” says an optimistic Rohrbach. “Together, we’re building a way of life that’s better for your health, better for animals, better for the environment and, ultimately, better for humanity. I can’t wait to welcome the community to San Francisco VegFest — the energy, people and food are amazing, and this year is shaping up to be our best event yet.”
Did you know?
SFVS members get FREE entry to our annual San Francisco VegFest! Take five minutes to join our community today. Annual membership starts as low as $25 ($20 for seniors and students).
