PRESS RELEASE: Rancho Compasión Celebrates 10 Years of Sanctuary with "Cirque du Sanctuary" Anniversary Gala
Magical evening will feature aerial artists, magicians, and whimsical live music to support animal rescue and youth programs in Nicasio, California
NICASIO, CA – Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals that also provides educational and community programs plus a holistic farm-to-table garden program, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a spectacular "Cirque du Sanctuary" gala on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the newly-renovated Black Mountain Ranch in Pt. Reyes.
The anniversary celebration promises "a night of magic, mischief, and meaning," featuring aerial artists, magicians, live music, and surprises around every corner. The unique circus-themed event reflects the sanctuary's mission of creating extraordinary experiences that bring together the community in support of animal welfare, sustainability, and youth development.
The nonprofit will celebrate its 10th year anniversary on November 15th, 2025.
Since its founding in 2015 by renowned culinary activist Miyoko Schinner, Rancho Compasión has provided a safe, forever home to hundreds of rescued farmed animals while simultaneously expanding its mission to offer enrichment programs to hundreds of underserved, neurodivergent, and at-risk youth from around the Bay Area each year. The sanctuary's innovative programs include field trips, internships, afterschool programs, summer camps, and a holistic farm-to-table garden program designed to create a safe space where children feel supported and accepted regardless of their background or ability. Their ½-acre garden, planted with over 70 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, provides fresh produce for campers and students, with some donated to local community fridges and food banks.
"We couldn't be more proud of our work or more grateful to the supportive community that has helped us accomplish so much over the past decade," said founder Miyoko Schinner. "Our 'Cirque du Sanctuary' theme perfectly captures the magic that happens when we bring together our rescued animals, the young people we serve, and our incredible community of supporters."
Students help feed rescued pigs, Goober and Ginsburg.
The sanctuary's mission addresses the intersections of food justice, animal welfare, and youth development by providing opportunities for children and young adults to find sanctuary alongside the rescued animals and in its organic garden. Staff believe that reaching children at a young age develops their sensibilities towards animals and planetary stewardship—and allows them to envision and create a more compassionate world.
The November 15th gala will support Rancho Compasión's ongoing efforts to expand their animal rescue operations, youth programs, and organic teaching garden. As they celebrate a decade and kick off ten more years, organizers invite the community to "be a part of our transformational, life-changing work" in serving both the animal and human communities.
Event Details:
What: Rancho Compasión 10th Anniversary "Cirque du Sanctuary" Gala
When: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 4-9pm
Where: Black Mountain Ranch, Pt. Reyes, California
Theme: A night of magic, mischief, and meaning with aerial artists, magicians, tarot readings, musiciains, and surprises
For more information about the gala, tickets, or Rancho Compasión's programs, visit https://www.ranchocompasion.org/ or contact heather@ranchocompasion.org.
About Rancho Compasión: Founded in 2015 by renowned culinary activist Miyoko Schinner, Rancho Compasión is a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals located in Nicasio, California, that also provides educational and community programs plus a holistic farm-to-table garden program for underserved, neurodivergent, and at-risk youth throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Through field trips, internships, afterschool programs, and summer camps, the sanctuary creates opportunities for young people to experience safety, support, and acceptance while learning about compassion and environmental stewardship.