Amagansett - On Saturday, August 6, 2011 to celebrate recent victories in compassionate medicine, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) held the Campaigning for Compassion benefit at the home of John Bradham, who hosted the benefit along with Michael Schwarz. The event was attended by close to 80 people with special guests including Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, founder of Vaute Couture, and Josh Katcher, founder of Discerning Brute. The host committee included Grant Aleksander, Susan Allen, James Costa, Dorothy Frankel, Kathy Freston, Jonathan Grill, Alexandra Jamieson, Joshua Katcher, Kate Krone, Stretch Armstrong, Joshua Levine, Pat and Doug Mercer, Dr. Pam Popper, Jeff Rusinow, and Cheri Thompson.

Dr. Neal Barnard at the Campaigning For Compassion Benefit. (Nicole Barylski)

The benefit included a presentation about the PCRM from president Neal Barnard, M.D., and director of public affairs Elizabeth Kucinich. After the presentation guests who made a donation received a copy of Dr. Barnard's new book, "21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart" which gives support for people who wanted to learn more about plant-based diets. Guests could have the book signed by Dr. Barnard.

Guests dined on gourmet vegan hors d'oeuvres provided by Vérité Catering including cucumber cups with whipped lemon ginger cream cheese, wild mushroom and caramelized onion crostini with pinot grigio sauce and grilled fresh seasonal fruit and cashew cheese skewers.

The benefit will support the PCRM's efforts to promote disease prevention through a plant-based diet and higher ethical standards in medical training, testing, and education. All proceeds from Campaigning for Compassion will go to support the work of PCRM.

On September 5, 2011 people can participate in the online 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program. The PCRM are teaming up with actress Alicia Silverstone, celebrity trainer Bob Harper, and NBA champ John Salley to provide all the knowledge and support adults and teenagers need to maintain a healthy weight, increase energy, and feel great by following a nutritious plant-based diet. There is no cost to join.