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Eight Organizations help you take action at CAA’s Documentary and Social Action night
April 8, 2024
On Sunday, April 14 from 3-6 pm CAA is hosting a free special Documentary and Social Action Night. The documentary we will view is the award-winning 2022 movie The Smell of Money. The film covers the harms suffered by local communities living alongside corporate “hog farms.” It delves into their legal fight for clean air, clean water, and a life free from the stench of manure.
After the screening, you’ll be able to connect with eight local organizations and chapters working on addressing environmental injustice, animal abuse, corporate power, structural racism, and other aspects related to the themes of the movie. Each organization will table to present information about their ongoing work. There will also be information on accessible steps you can take to get involved.
A snapshot of compassion: Barb Huning’s volunteer work with CAA
April 1, 2024
Get to know CAA Volunteer Barb Huning. Over the past five years, Barb has contributed her time and skills to various roles to help CAA events run smoothly. She also selflessly offers her photography skills to help us capture key moments at events. Barb is a dedicated vegan who is attracted to CAA’s work and impact. Her volunteer motivation is to support this work to create a more compassionate world for all animals.
Barb loves photography and volunteers with CAA to capture the energy and happiness at events like Twin Cities Veg Fest and the Thanksliving potluck. She skillfully and passionately documents the joy and excitement of attendees. Through her lens, she showcases the vibrant and diverse vegan community, inspiring others to join us in our mission.
Remembering Neena Gada
March 25, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Neena Gada on the 6th of January, 2024. Neena, and her husband Ram, have long supported CAA and been pillars of the local Jain and Indian communities.
Neena’s life
Born in 1942, Neena’s life was a testament of devotion, unwavering strength, and selfless service.
A true icon of resilience, Neena was known for her kind-hearted nature. Throughout her life, her vivacious spirit and unwavering optimism uplifted those around her. Neena’s life was defined by her love for others, and she spent much of her time making a positive impact on the lives of those she cared for.
Neena’s passion for education and the importance of culture was vividly evident throughout her life. She believed that education was the most powerful tool to change the world, and she dedicated a significant portion of her life to this cause, working to establish centers of Indian education in Minnesota.
Oil and gluten-free comfort foods | April 2024 | Vegan Recipe Club
March 19, 2024
The cookbook and recipes for April will be Plant-Based Delicious (2023) by Ashley Madden
Click here to download the recipes for this month.
Join the Vegan Recipe Club on April 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 to discuss recipes from the cookbook of the month: Plant-Based Delicious (2023) by Ashley Madden. This month will feature an in-person discussion and potluck at CAA’s offices (2100 1st Ave S, Suite 200, Minneapolis) as well as the usual zoom option. Bring one of the dishes from the cookbook to share with other participants over a great discussion.
If you are curious about vegan cooking, this club is for you! Each month participants make three recipes from popular cookbooks then share their reflections with the group over zoom. Novice to expert cooks are welcome, as are interested non-cooks. Registration not required.
This is how the publisher describes the cookbook: “Bestselling author Ashley Madden makes it easy to prepare―and fall in love with―comforting dishes packed with fresh flavors and good-for-you ingredients with this incredible vegan cookbook. Every recipe features delicious flavor combinations that will intrigue and impress your tastebuds while also nourishing your body. What’s more is that every recipe is gluten and oil free, so you can enjoy the comforting dishes you crave while accommodating dietary preferences.”
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.
