On November 13, the National Anti-Vivisection Society teamed up with Credo Beauty in Chicago to host a special cruelty-free beauty event at the cosmetic retailer’s Bucktown boutique.
Hosted by the new NAVS Woman’s Board, the event attracted 100 Chicago-area professional women who learned about NAVS’ commitment to humane science while exploring top cruelty-free brands, being pampered by beauty industry professionals with mini makeovers, enjoying vegan appetizers and bubbly refreshments, posing for headshots by professional photographers, and trying their luck in a charitable raffle—all while supporting NAVS’ mission to end animal testing.
The event was made possible through the wonderful support of our partner, Credo Beauty, and generous sponsors: Wintrust, Northern Trust, BMO Wealth Management, Selden Fox, and Monique Hanson. Their commitment to cruelty-free values and animal welfare helped create an unforgettable experience for all attendees. NAVS is deeply grateful for their partnership and dedication to advancing our shared mission of ending animal testing and promoting compassionate, ethical science.
“It was great to gather people passionate about humane and compassionate lifestyles to discover and interact with brands that are prioritizing cruelty-free methods,” said NAVS Executive Director Sally Draper. “We are thankful to Credo Beauty for hosting this incredible event, and we look forward to working with them more in the future to bring cruelty-free lifestyles to Chicagoans and beyond.”
The true value of the evening was far greater than the experience itself. The event created measurable, mission-advancing impact that donors can feel proud to support.
Expanding National Visibility for NAVS’ Mission
With coordinated pre- and post-event social media campaigns, the event amplified NAVS’ mission well beyond the 100 guests in the room. Thousands of people across the country were introduced—or reintroduced—to NAVS’ work, significantly extending the reach of our message and strengthening public awareness of humane science. This kind of visibility helps NAVS reach new advocates, new donors, and new partners—expanding our collective capacity to drive meaningful change.
Mobilizing Advocacy for the Humane Cosmetics Act
One of the event’s most important outcomes was the activation of more than 50 new advocates. Attendees were encouraged to contact their elected officials in support of the Humane Cosmetics Act, transforming curiosity into tangible action. By lowering the barrier to advocacy and engaging supporters in real time, NAVS expanded its base of policy advocates—an essential step toward securing federal protections for animals in cosmetics testing.
Strengthening NAVS’ Grassroots Foundation
The event also served as a powerful recruitment point for NAVS’ community leadership. Many guests were introduced for the first time to NAVS’ Woman’s Board. As a direct result, three prospective new Woman’s Board members have already stepped forward. Growing this leadership circle strengthens NAVS’ long-term grassroots capacity—ensuring a sustainable pipeline of engaged volunteers, donors, and advocates committed to the mission.
Positioning NAVS as a Leader in Ethical Science & Ethical Beauty
By connecting cruelty-free beauty choices with humane research advocacy, the event positioned NAVS as a bridge between consumer values and scientific ethics. Attendees experienced firsthand how lifestyle choices can support—rather than contradict—the urgent need for non-animal alternatives in research. This alignment was echoed by Credo Beauty’s leadership:
“Cruelty-free isn’t new at Credo Beauty. It’s been our baseline from day one and is core to our Clean Standard™, because many beauty products are still tested on animals. NAVS’ impressive work to advance humane science helps push for meaningful change. We’re proud to team up in Chicago to show what cruelty-free beauty looks like,” said Timothy Scott, Retail Market Manager at Credo Beauty. His words underscore the deep philosophical alignment between NAVS and mission-driven companies committed to replacing harmful and outdated animal-testing practices.
Cultivating High-Value Partnerships for Future Mission Impact
The success of this event—and the enthusiasm surrounding it—opened new doors for future collaborations. NAVS’ partnerships with Credo Beauty, cruelty-free brands, professional photographers, and numerous Chicago-area businesses showcased the growing network of organizations willing to stand behind humane research and cruelty-free practices. These relationships represent more than event support—they are emerging partnerships capable of strengthening NAVS’ visibility, expanding resources, and increasing mission impact for years to come.
Raising Charitable Support for Humane Science
In addition to the advocacy and engagement impact, the evening helped raise valuable funds through the charitable raffle and event-generated support. These resources will directly fuel NAVS’ research, education, and advocacy programs as we work toward a future where animals are no longer used in laboratories.
Looking Ahead
In-person community events like this partnership with Credo Beauty exemplify the power of bringing people together around shared values of compassion and ethical living. These gatherings not only educate and inspire attendees but also strengthen the broader movement for cruelty-free practices and humane science. As NAVS looks to the future, fostering meaningful connections through community engagement remains a cornerstone of our vision. The goal is to build a network of advocates who are informed, empowered, and committed to creating lasting change for animals in laboratories and beyond.
