Darren and his fiancée PaFoua Hang attended last year’s CAA Veg Fest fundraising event. They heard Laura Matanah speak about the organization and its mission. Because of her passion, they explored more of what CAA offers. 

Laura connected them to other CAA-sponsored events. They enjoyed the tour to Farmaste Animal Sanctuary. Interacting with rescued animals and meeting other people with similar interests was exciting. After that trip, they decided to get more involved.

In 2022 they volunteered at Twin Cities Veg Fest and, more recently, at the 2023 Chili Cookoff. Darren’s role with the Annual Banquet committee includes volunteer registration and contacting potential corporate sponsors.

Making significant lifestyle changes can be overwhelming. Darren and PaFoua appreciate CAA’s empathetic approach – meeting people wherever they are on their journey. CAA’s resources, like their eating-out guides, have also been helpful. 

Darren is thankful for the people he’s met in CAA. He feels encouraged as he rethinks animal rights and learns to advocate for change. 

Favorite local vegan-friendly restaurants include French Meadow, Coconut Whisk, and J. Selby’s. One of Darren’s go-to recipes at home is chia seed pudding. He also loves making everything bread-related, including vegan waffles and pancakes paired with a Just Egg scramble and a nice cup of green tea.