Each year, Agape honors peacemakers in celebration of the U.N.-declared International Day of Peace. This year, Pie Ranch is honored to have been chosen as a finalist in the category of Rising Peacemaker. The 2009 Rising Peacemaker Prize honors an innovative peacemaker who has undertaken the creation of peace in their community, nationally or internationally, and has been making a significant contribution for five years or less. Three finalists have been selected, and all three will be celebrated and awarded with a cash prize and provided with pro bono media consulting services. The final winner will be announced during their 5th Annual Peace Prize event on September 24 in San Francisco.

The Agape Foundation, founded in 1969, raises and distributes funds to groups working for nonviolent social change. They provide seed grants, loans and fiscal sponsorship to organizations that promote peace, oppose war, defend our civil and human rights and protect the environment. Since its formation, The Agape Foundation has awarded more than $13 million to over 800 grassroots organizations throughout California.

In addition to the Rising Peacemaker award, Agape is honoring Jackie Cabasso, Executive Director of Western States Legal Foundation, with the Enduring Visionary Prize, and Youth Together, with the Champions of Change Prize.

The event is Thursday, September 24, 2009, from 7:00 – 9:00pm, in the Green Room at the War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue, in San Francisco. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased through www.agapepeaceprize.org. You can also contact The Agape Foundation at 415.701.8707 to sponsor the event or support an ad in the event program.

Come out with us to celebrate Pie Ranch and support The Agape Foundation’s 40 years of work on behalf of peace and social justice!