A wild evening in LA
Chimpanzee lovers came together on July 12th at Steve Bernheim's beautiful Mulholland Drive estate, high in the Hollywood Hills of California, to raise funds for In Defense of Animals-Africa.

"Born To Be Wild," as the event was called, was an emotionally compelling bash hosted by IDA-Africa founder and director Dr. Sheri Speede, who is currently back in Africa working directly with the chimpanzees at our Sanaga-Yong Rescue Center.
 
Over 200 guests and celebrities turned out to hear Dr. Speede talk of her work in Cameroon, and to bid on silent and live auction items, chow down on vegan cuisine, and enjoy music by Prince Diabate, a master kora player from Guinea.
 
Galazy soccer star Cobi Jones, along with actors Charlotte Ross, Esai Morales, Ashley Benson, Russell Means, Kristin Minter, Christine Elise, David Dayan Fisher, and "Heroes" favorite Zachary Quinto, were among those who attended "Born To Be Wild" in support of IDA-Africa.

Steve Valentine, star of "Crossing Jordan," commented, "When the doctor talked about the plight of those chimpanzees and showed us how close to humans they really are, it brought tears to my eyes. Those incredible animals truly need to be protected."

Click here to view our photo gallery. 

IDA-Africa extends a great deal of gratitude to all of the individuals, businesses and foundations that made this event possible!

On this special evening hundreds of guests and many celebrities enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres donated by local businesses, silent and live auctions including generously donated items, a chance to win a safari for two donated by Wilderness Safaris and incredible live music from Prince Diabate!

The event, coordinated by Rachel Weil of Weil Public Relations and Edmund Stone of IDA-Africa, helped to raise critical funds for IDA-Africa and it's Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center. 

All proceeds will directly benefit the chimpanzees orphans at Sanaga-Yong Center and IDA-Africa's efforts to fight the illegal bushmeat trade through grassroots education and an extensive media campaign.

IDA-Africa sincerely appreciates the invaluable contribution made by Wilderness Safaris.  Click here to learn more about the incredible safari for two to Botswana.

The Born To Be Wild benefit was generously sponsored by:

UBS Financial Services Inc.	Dorian J Khouri Foundation
	Revolve Clothing

And We Extend A Very Special Thank You to Event Supporters: