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2025 CAA Annual Auction: Bid for a Cause and Win Exciting Prizes!
February 24, 2024
Get ready for the 2025 CAA Annual Auction, running from February 26 until the Vegan Vibes Annual Banquet on March 15! This exciting event is your chance to bid on incredible items and experiences while supporting Compassionate Action for Animals’ (CAA) mission. Whether you’re looking for delicious vegan treats, handmade goods, or one-of-a-kind experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Amazing Items Up for Bid
This year’s auction features a diverse selection of amazing prizes, including:
- Gift cards to local vegan favorites like Francis Burger Joint, J. Selby’s, and Reverie
- Homemade Vegan Red Velvet Cake by Florence Brammer
- Art prints from David R. Smith Fine Art
- Handmade sunflower & peach oven mitts & bowl cozy by Lisrey
- Vegan Vibes Experiences (new this year!) including:
- A month’s worth of menus and shopping lists from Wellbeing Cuisine
- A guided walk or bike ride with Laura Matanah
- A dinner for six delivered to your home by Jared Rolsky
- An intro to foraging lesson with Hannah Milos
- A pickleball lesson from Sarah Matanah
- Dumpster diving adventure with Unny Nambudiripad
- A goat whisperer experience with Lydia Green
Honoring Sheri and Mike Olson: A Legacy of Dedication and Compassion
February 18, 2024
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) has been incredibly fortunate to have volunteers like Sheri and Mike Olson, whose passion and generosity have left a lasting impact on our community. As they step back from their volunteer roles, we want to express our deep gratitude for their contributions and highlight the difference they’ve made for the animals.
Building Community in Duluth
Sheri’s leadership in Duluth’s vegan community has been nothing short of inspiring. For the past 2.5 years, she sponsored and hosted the Duluth Vegan Cooking Group, bringing together a dedicated group of vegans, vegetarians, and veg-curious Minnesotans to share their delicious plant-based meals. Each month featured a unique theme, with November’s gathering celebrating Friendsgiving. Her efforts brought forth more than just great food — they fostered connection and belonging within the community. This new Duluth CAA chapter was even featured in our 2023 Minnesota Veg Living Magazine.
In addition, Sheri helped expand plant-based advocacy in Duluth. She hosted a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) talk featuring Joel and Jill Erickson, educating attendees on the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. She also staffed a CAA booth at the Duluth Reggae Festival, collaborating with St. Cloud organizer Michael Willemsen to spread awareness about plant-based living.
While Sheri is stepping down as the host of the Duluth Vegan Cooking Group and Duluth CAA chapter, her legacy will continue. These events will now be coordinated on a quarterly basis by CAA staff members Laura Matanah and Abbey Feola.
Transforming Twin Cities Veg Fest
Sheri and her husband Mike played a key role in growing Twin Cities Veg Fest into one of the largest vegan festivals in the Midwest. Both served on the planning committee for multiple years, working tirelessly to expand the festival’s reach and impact.
- Sheri worked closely with exhibitors and organized outdoor games, ensuring an engaging, welcoming atmosphere.
- Mike led the Food Giveaway, providing thousands of festival-goers with free, delicious plant-based food — often their first taste of vegan cuisine!
- Sheri helped connect CAA with Coco and Lala, whose participation in our Twin Cities Veg Fest video has helped draw thousands to the festival.
Thanks in part to their efforts, the festival’s attendance grew from 1,200 to over 5,000, creating a lasting foundation for continued success.
Making a Lasting Impact
CAA’s Executive Director, Laura Matanah, expressed appreciation for their incredible contributions in a heartfelt letter on behalf of the staff, board and community. In it, she cited the aforementioned efforts and more:
“Your gifts are helping to send over 6,000 postcards advocating for animal welfare this year. Plus, you’re helping fund a doubling of our program to provide healthy vegan meals to unhoused neighbors in Minneapolis!”
Through their outreach, education, and direct action, Sheri and Mike have made a tangible difference in the lives of both humans and animals. Even as they step back, their impact will continue to ripple through the work they have helped make possible.
A Legacy of Joy, Generosity, and Compassion
As we reflect on Sheri and Mike’s impact, we are reminded of the kindness they bring to everything they do. As Laura’s letter so beautifully states:
“Life has inevitable challenges. We see you taking them on and maintaining your joy, generosity, and compassion. Thank you for all you bring to our world!”
Though we will miss their regular presence, their legacy will continue to inspire and shape our work for years to come. Please join us in thanking Sheri and Mike for everything they have done for CAA and the animals!
Meet Lucky: A Resilient Goat Thriving at Herbivorous Acres
February 2, 2025
A Rough Start to Life
Lucky, a five-year-old Saanen goat, has an inspiring story of survival and resilience. Rescued in 2019 alongside his mother, Olivia, Lucky was only a few months old when he found safety at Herbivorous Acres. He and his mother, along with two other goats, Barney and Bunny, were saved from a dairy farm in Wisconsin.
In the dairy industry, male goats are not considered profitable because they do not produce milk, and they are often sold for meat. Fortunately, the farmer agreed to surrender Lucky (and friends), giving him a chance at a better life.
Overcoming Health Challenges
When Lucky arrived at Herbivorous Acres, he was in poor condition. He was the smallest of the two baby goats, underweight, and suffering from lice and parasites. The day after he arrived, Lucky had to be rushed to the vet, where he was diagnosed with coccidia, a parasite that can be dangerous in high amounts. His tiny body, already weakened by stress and malnutrition, struggled to fight off the infection.
With urgent veterinary care and plenty of love, Lucky slowly began to recover. Being close to his mother, Olivia, helped him regain strength and confidence. Today, despite his early struggles, Lucky is thriving.
However, he and his goat family have two incurable diseases, CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis), which require ongoing veterinary care. Because of CAE, Lucky experiences joint pain and is on daily medication for arthritis. Thanks to dedicated caregivers, he is able to live a comfortable and happy life.
Wine, Cheese, and Compassion: Celebrating Donors at CAA’s New Space
Celebrating Our Amazing Supporters
On January 18, Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) hosted a special Donor Appreciation Party to thank our incredible supporters. More than 40 donors and guests joined us for a fun and inspiring afternoon filled with connection and gratitude.
Vegan Wine and Cheese Tasting
Guests enjoyed a unique vegan wine and cheese tasting that took them through three different locations. This gave everyone a chance to explore our new office and storage space while enjoying delicious plant-based treats. Board members, staff and supporters had great conversations about our shared mission, making the event both meaningful and enjoyable. We even had games designed to help us get to know each other better.
A Look at Our Progress
At 2:30 p.m., our Executive Director, Laura Matanah, gave a powerful talk about what CAA accomplished in 2024 and our big goal to inspire 1 million Minnesotans to take action for animals by 2026. She also shared ways supporters can help even more, such as volunteering, employer donation matching, and legacy giving. Many attendees were excited to get more involved! Check out this copy of her slide presentation for more details.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kedar Deshpande’s Inspiring Journey With CAA
January 20, 2024
How It All Began: Discovering Compassionate Action for Animals
Kedar Deshpande’s story with Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) began in 2007. He was a committed vegan when he moved to Minneapolis and began searching for a community that shared his values. “I had heard about CAA’s work in free food sampling and animal advocacy and made a donation because I love using food as a gateway to talking about animals,” Kedar shares. After connecting with CAA co-founder Unny Nambudiripad, Kedar quickly became very involved with the organization.
A Legacy of Volunteering and Leadership
Over the years, Kedar has taken on a variety of roles with CAA, including:
- Distributing educational leaflets
- Organizing potlucks and food sampling events
- Co-organizing the “Their Lives, Our Voices” animal advocacy conference
- Contributing to VegGuide.org, a global catalog of vegan-friendly restaurants started by CAA co-founder Dave Rolsky
Meet Moolan: A feisty, Loyal Heifer Living Her Best Life at Farmaste Animal Sanctuary
January 6, 2024
Moolan, a vibrant 7-year-old bovine, has been stealing hearts since she was rescued in January 2018. With her unique sideways horn and spunky personality, Moolan is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the beauty of giving animals a second chance.
Moolan’s Story: A Rescue Rooted in Care
Moolan was born into a challenging environment. Her mother, Ellie, lived among cows that carried Johne’s disease — a condition that doesn’t affect milk quality but can harm the animals carrying it. While Ellie tested negative, there was a risk Moolan could contract the disease as a newborn in the pasture. To ensure their safety, Moolan and Ellie were allowed to be brought to a Farmaste Animal Sanctuary where they could live free from the dangers of disease and cruel dairy farming practices.
Meet Our New Program Assistant: Kelso Anderson, A Dedicated Voice for Animals
December 16, 2024
We are excited to introduce our newest staff member at Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), Kelso Anderson! With years of volunteer experience with CAA and a strong commitment to animal advocacy, Kelso brings passion, skill, and heart to our mission of ending factory farming. Read on to learn more about Kelso and his journey with CAA!
Stepping Into a New Role
As the new Program Assistant, Kelso will be helping CAA stay organized and efficient. In this part-time position he’ll help manage finances, track important data, and support other staff members with various projects and tasks. When asked about his motivation to apply for this role, Kelso shared:
“I’ve been volunteering with CAA for over two years, and I’m inspired by the organization’s mission. Joining the team officially felt like the best way to contribute more to ending animal suffering.”
Kelso’s attention to detail and dedication to the cause make him a great fit for this essential role.
CAA Volunteer Spotlight: Anna Larsson’s Passion for Volunteering
December 16, 2024
Anna Larsson has been an active volunteer with Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) for the past four years. A dedicated vegan for nearly 15 years, Anna’s passion for animals and community building has made her an outstanding volunteer.
Her journey into volunteering began when she saw promotions for CAA’s annual Vegan Chili Cook-Off and Twin Cities Veg Fest. As an introvert, attending events solo seemed daunting. To make sure she went, she decided to volunteer — and she’s been hooked ever since!
“It was so much fun, and everyone was so inclusive and welcoming, that I felt like I had found my people,” Anna shares about her first experience volunteering at the Vegan Chili Cook-Off. This sense of belonging kept her coming back for more.
Meet Alysia: Passionate Volunteer Making a Difference for Animals
November 25, 2024
Discovering CAA and a Passion for Service
Alysia Nelson has been volunteering with Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) for the past year and a half, combining her passion for plant-based living with her commitment to serving others. She discovered CAA through MeetUp while searching for programs that served plant-based meals. Alysia was drawn to CAA’s work preparing and serving meals for those in transitional housing at Simpson Housing Services.
Why CAA?
“CAA does A LOT to improve the lives and well-being of animals,” Alysia shared, explaining what initially impressed her about the organization and inspired her to get involved.
A Range of Volunteer Roles
Since joining CAA, Alysia has contributed in various ways, including as a photographer for this year’s Twin Cities Veg Fest. She described the experience as “a blast and really well-organized.” With her enthusiasm for photography, the role was a natural fit, and she appreciated how accessible CAA makes it to volunteer.
ThanksLiving Potluck 2024: A Celebration of Community, Compassion, and Delicious Vegan Food
November 25, 2024
On November 23, 2024, Matthews Park in Minneapolis was filled with the amazing smells of vegan dishes as over 100 people came together for Compassionate Action for Animals’ (CAA) annual ThanksLiving potluck. This special event featured a feast of plant-based foods, including highlights like vegan turkey and gluten-free meatloaf donated by The Herbivorous Butcher. These favorites, along with a variety of sides, drinks, and desserts, showed off the creativity and passion of the CAA community.
Building Connections
The ThanksLiving potluck wasn’t just about the food — it was also about connecting with others. Guests filled out forms with fun questions like “What can you teach others?” and “What would you like to learn?” These conversation starters led to great discussions and helped people at each table bond, even if they already knew each other.
Fun Prizes and Generous Donors
To make the event even more exciting, completed forms were entered into a prize drawing. Thanks to donations, five lucky winners received gifts like a Tabitha Brown cookbook and gift cards to NE Wellness. The grand prize — a $100 gift card to NE Wellness — went to Breanna Knutson. She plans to use it for a relaxing massage (well deserved after leading the Twin Cities Veg Fest Planning Committee!).