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2024 Annual Banquet scores a huge success
March 18, 2024
This year’s annual banquet was a huge success! Over 78 compassionate individuals attended the semi-formal gathering at the beautifully decorated CSPS Hall. They were treated to wonderful food by Tongue and Cheek, treats made by volunteers, classical guitar music by Maja Radovanlija, and fun games like a cake walk and wine toss. During dinner, CAA volunteers and staff shared inspiring stories about our work for animals and our community. Not to mention that the culmination of the annual auction happened during the banquet. And the best news is that all of this was not only fun but also raised a lot of money for CAA to accomplish our strategic goals this year!
Financial support that matters
Thanks to the amazing support of a generous anonymous donor, every donation made at the event was matched five times! This encouraged new donors to step up and existing supporters to increase their contributions. The cake walk and ring toss games raised a good amount of money too. The annual auction was a highlight, raising over $3,500 to support our work for a more compassionate world. With the gifts, the match, and the auction, we raised a total of over $30,000 to move our work forward! We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed.
Delightful delicacies: A feast for all
This Veg Week, Help Others on Their Compassionate Journeys by Sharing Your Tips and Inspirations
March 18, 2024
As we prepare for Veg Week, a time dedicated to promoting plant-based eating and compassionate living, we are pulling together materials to help folks who will be participating in the Veg Week Pledge. We invite those of you already on a compassionate journey to contribute your knowledge and experiences to help those who are just starting out.
Whether you have tips on where to find delicious plant-based options, advice on eating nutritiously without breaking the bank, or recommendations for inspiring books and movies, your input can provide invaluable support. Let’s come together and create a community of shared wisdom and encouragement.
Pete’s journey from abandonment to sanctuary
A guest blog by Robin Johnson, Founder of Spring Farm Sanctuary
March 7, 2024
Pete, a 10-year-old Hereford Steer, holds a special place in our hearts. He entered our lives seven years ago, originating from St. Cloud, Minnesota. His journey began in a rather distressing manner when compassionate individuals named Bob and Vicki found him tied to a tree during a harsh January winter. Left to die, their intervention saved Pete’s life.
Bob and Vicki brought Pete into their care, along with another steer, nurturing them in their backyard for three years. However, fate took a turn when the steers managed to break free one day, prompting animal control’s involvement. Facing a difficult decision, Bob reached out to us, coincidentally right around the time of our opening and we gladly welcomed Pete and his brother, Scruffy, into our sanctuary in June of 2017.
Initially known as “Skinny Pete” due to his condition, Pete has since flourished into a robust, full-grown steer. His days are filled with simple joys—being petted, basking in the warmth of the sun, and frolicking with his pals, Walter and Norman (sadly, Scruffy passed away a couple of years ago). Though age may have slowed his pace, Pete’s affectionate demeanor remains unchanged, akin to that of a gentle St. Bernard!
The planning team behind the Dr. Greger “How Not to Age” event share their how his work has impacted them
February 26, 2024
Our February 10 event with Dr. Michael Greger speaking on his book, “How Not to Age” was a huge success. Check out our blog and slide show for details on this popular event. As we reflect on its success, it’s essential to acknowledge the dedicated planning team who made it all possible: Mark Reis-Henrie, Margaret Telfer, Steve Thompson, and Velma Wagner.
They joined the team because Dr. Greger’s work and whole foods plant-based eating have made a difference in their lives. They shared how:
How Not to Age” event inspires hundreds with its hopeful, science-based message
February 26, 2024
We recently hosted an event featuring the renowned Dr. Michael Greger, physician, professional speaker, and author of “How Not to Die” and “How Not to Age.” Organized by CAA’s student chapter and a wonderful planning team as part of Dr. Greger’s book tour, the event drew more than 300 participants. The talk proved highly informative and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Sierra Carter from H.E.A.L. MPLS kicked off the event, setting the stage for Dr. Greger’s talk. The engaging session, filled with hope and backed by science, was followed by a Q & A with insightful questions from the audience. Attendees also had the chance to explore tables set up by like-minded organizations such as Brightside Produce, Lotus Health, and Plant-Pure Communities. Dr. Greger’s book was available for purchase, and he graciously signed copies and took photos with attendees before and after the event. He was even signing books on the sidewalk right up until he had to head to the airport!
CAA’s ten years of growth in income and programming
In the past decade, CAA has experienced remarkable growth in both financial sustainability and the breadth of our support. This growth has enabled us to expand our reach and the extent of our programming. New people have been influenced by our initiatives and new partnerships formed with diverse communities. These have enabled us to amplify our impact on behalf of nonhuman animals and enrich our community.
Over the course of these years we’ve gone from hosting 2 to 3 events a month to 5 to 6 events per month. We deliberately welcome people of all dietary backgrounds to our events. Surveys show that among people who eat animal products, the majority leave intending to reduce their animal product intake.
Our financial growth has been nothing short of extraordinary. As seen in the table below, our income has more than quadrupled during this period. We have seen growth in individual donations, and grant support has emerged as a substantial pillar of our funding. This surge in support underscores the growing recognition of the importance of our work and its tangible impact.
CAA’s auction for animals: Your chance to score great items and make a difference
February 19, 2024
Get ready for another exciting auction to support CAA and our mission of promoting compassion for animals. This year, we have received a variety of exciting and delicious donations. They’re sure to spark your interest and motivate you to bid for a chance to take them home.
The auction features a wide range of fantastic items! Bidding will begin on February 21 and continue through the first hour of the Annual Banquet, on March 9. Visit our auction site to explore all the amazing items available. If an item sparks your interest, click the heart icon to create a watchlist and see how the bidding is going for that item. Place your initial bids and see where the bidding takes you. Keep an eye out for competing bids, as friendly bidding wars often ensue for the most sought-after items!
The best part is that the proceeds from the auction will go towards funding the many impactful programs that CAA offers throughout the year. By participating, you will not only acquire wonderful items, but also contribute to our mission of making a difference for animals. You can feel proud of your support and the fantastic items you’ll bring home to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity — check out the auction items now.
Serving compassion: Monthly vegan luncheons for Simpson Housing residents
February 19, 2024
Did you hear the exciting news? We’ve launched a monthly program to serve delicious vegan lunches at Simpson Housing! In January, we kicked it off with creamy tomato basil and potato leek soups accompanied by grilled cheese sandwiches. Six dedicated volunteers cooked delicious food and forged connections with residents as they served them and dined together. Not only did they make a positive impact for the residents, but they also built connections with each other while cooking and cleaning up. By serving plant-based meals to these unhoused individuals, we show compassion for both humans and nonhuman animals.
Our monthly luncheons take place at 128 W 33rd St, Minneapolis and will serve around 25 residents each time. Simpson Housing Services provides shelter for approximately seventy unhoused individuals every night and collaborates with community groups to provide meals for the shelter residents. Learn more about Simpson Housing Services and their programs.
Spicy highlights from the 13th Annual Vegan Chili Cook-Off
February 19, 2024
More than 170 individuals, including over 60 students, gathered for the 13th Annual Vegan Chili Cook-Off on February 3rd. Attendees sampled a variety of vegan chilis and voted to determine the winner of the prestigious Chicken Trophy. Attendees had fun mingling and making new friends while savoring the delicious chilis.
The highly anticipated event crowned Lulu EthioVegan as the winner of the Vegan Chili Cook-Off! It was extra special that they were first-time contestants and are new to the Twin Cities restaurant scene. Other competitors were La Cocina de Ana, The Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar, Mill Valley Kitchen, and TRIO Plant-Based. They all showcased their culinary skills with creative and flavorful chilis.
Introducing our new Program Assistant: Yosan Worota
February 12, 2024
CAA is pleased to introduce Yosan Worota, our new part-time Program Assistant! We welcome her dedication to animal welfare and passion for amplifying diverse voices. Over the past five years, she has a remarkable track record of volunteering for leadership roles within CAA. It all started when she interned as a program assistant after her freshman year in college.
During this time, she started getting more involved with CAA as a volunteer. Her involvement includes being Co-chair for the 2020 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge and the planning team for the 2020 Annual Banquet. We were also happy to have her author an article for our Minnesota Veg Living magazine and speak at World Day for Farmed Animals. Most crucially, she led the establishment of a student chapter of CAA at Macalester College.