Behind every event is a team of folks who are working to make sure every detail is set––and we’re so grateful for year’s team! Meet Henry, Rae, and Taylor, members of this year’s Vegan Thanksgiving Planning committee. We’ll let them tell you a bit about their involvement with the event and what they’re grateful for this season. If you got tickets and attend the event this Saturday, make sure to stop by and meet them!

 

Henry Patterson

When was your first CAA Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck?

This will be my first CAA Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck.

What have you focused on planning for the event?

I’ve worked on Social Media updates via Facebook primarily and have focused on how to create a successful and fun event.

What’s something you’re looking forward to about this event?

To be around a like-minded community of vegans with compassion for animals.

When you’re not volunteering with CAA, what are you doing?

Consulting and project management for manufacturers mostly. My clients are pretty broad from a steel company who makes grain bins to a caterer who prepares school lunches, meals on wheels, etc.

What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year?

Good friends and family.

 

Rae Hermeier

When was your first CAA Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck?

This is my first CAA Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck and I’m really excited to be a part of the planning.

What have you focused on planning for the event?

Since this is my first time helping to plan a CAA event, I’ve been focused on learning how past events have been run, and what has worked in the past as well as what needs improvement. I’ve enjoyed working as a team to accomplish everything that needs to get done.

What’s something you’re looking forward to about this event?

I’m really looking forward to connecting with members of our local vegan community. I’m also excited to try all of the yummy vegan foods!

When you’re not volunteering with CAA, what are you doing?

When I’m not working or volunteering with CAA, you can usually find me in the kitchen. I love cooking up creative vegan dishes and trying out new recipes! I also like to play video games in my spare time.

What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year?

I am extremely grateful to be a part of our local vegan community. It reminds me that I am not alone, and makes me feel empowered to help the animals in any way that I can. I’m also incredibly grateful for my boyfriend, who is always supportive of my vegan lifestyle.

 

Taylor Borgman

When was your first CAA Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck?

This will be my first one and I’m so excited!

What have you focused on planning for the event?

I have been gathering the supplies for the event, and I’ve been putting together a music playlist for the event.

What’s something you’re looking forward to about this event?

Seeing everyone together and enjoying the different foods and each other’s company!

When you’re not volunteering with CAA, what are you doing?

I am currently a student at the University of Minnesota so most of my time is spent studying for midterms, but in my free time, I like to explore the great outdoors and spend quality time with my dogs, friends, and family.

What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year?

I am most grateful for my close friends and family. They support me in everything I do (including my volunteer work with CAA and choice to be vegan) and push me out of my comfort zone. They also serve as wonderful role models and I’m thankful to have them in my life.

 

Although tickets to the event are sold out, we’ve got a couple of open volunteer spots open for this year’s 16th Annual Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck this Saturday! Bring a dish to share and have fun at the event! Sign up to volunteer here.