Celebs Help the Orang Utan Republik Foundation in Toluca Lake

The Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative began in October 2004 and started to help save the orangutans of Indonesia through conservation education, outreach initiatives and innovative collaborative programs that inspire and call people to action.

"Saving the animals in any part of our world is important, and in this case, these groups help save the orangutans by saving their forest home, the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra," said actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr.

Begley and other celebrities who live nearby in Studio City attended an annual fundraiser at a private Toluca Lake resident recently to help raise money for the cause. The group helps educate the people of Indonesia and Malaysia in the importance of preserving their greatest natural resources.

"This is truly one of the most endangered species on the planet, and some immediate action has to be taken," Begley said.

This year, the fundraiser was held at the home of entertainer Debi Derryberry (the voice of Jimmy Neutron) and photographer Harvey Jordan. A fundraising committee brought together celebrities and performers to entertain and inspire as well as volunteers to help with the various aspects of the  outdoor event. 

The theme this year was "Branching Out" and is meant as a way to get the word out to a wide variety of people.

During the course of the evening, attendees were able to see how OURF's programs are moving forward. A check for $8,000 from the Animal Health Foundation (AHF) was presented to support the Orangutan Caring Scholarship veterinary program. In addition, OURF president Gary Shapiro used Skype video to present the distinguished Pongo Award to Leif Cocks in Perth, Australia, to honor the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP). On a big screen, Leif accepted the award and expressed his appreciation for the honor. AOP has supported OURF's scholarship program in addition to other OURF initiatives over the years. Later, via Skype video from Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia, the members of the Orangutan Caring Club of North Sumatra addressed the attendees to thank and express their appreciation for the fundraising efforts.

Attendees to the fundraiser enjoyed vegetarian and vegan delights and exquisite orangutan-safe chocolates (nuubiaChocolat) and palm oil-free cookies (Shawn Thompson's receipe)  while tasty beverages were provided through PeakPR and their associates (One Hope, Coca-cola, Honest Tea, and Smart Water).  

For more information, go to the website: www.orangutanrepublik.org