It was wonderful to see so many of you at the 8th Annual Vegan Chili Cook-Off last Saturday. I encourage you to check out the recipes and photos on the Facebook event page.

Looking ahead to our next big event, I’m happy to share with you that our 2017 Annual Banquet and Reception will be on Saturday, April 22 from 5:30 to 9:00pm at the Wellstone Center in St. Paul. You’re warmly invited to attend.

Reserve your tickets today! We sold out last year, so make sure that you register soon. The funds we raise at the banquet help us to make community events like the chili cook-off possible, so please consider joining us for this very special annual event and supporting our work for the animals.

The banquet is also a lot of fun. This year, we’ve got a bunch of things you won’t want to miss:

• A gourmet vegan meal featuring traditional Jewish cuisine including delicious plant-based meats provided by The Herbivorous Butcher (gluten-free options available)
• The sparkling wit and worldly wisdom of Mistress Ginger, your emcee for the evening
• An inspiring presentation featuring some special guests and giving you a glimpse of the exciting projects CAA will undertake in the year to come
• A swanky reception featuring a selection of delicious vegan hors d’ouevres, beer, and wine (all included with your ticket to the event)
• A silent auction including artwork, gift baskets, and services from local vendors

This is your chance to get together with the compassionate community and support our important work for the animals. Please join us on April 22. It’ll be here before we know it!

With the animals,

Laura Matanah

P.S. If you are in the Mankato area, please consider attending this important panel discussion tomorrow about factory farming in Minnesota:

A coalition of national and area environmental, religious, and community groups are joining forces to challenge and question the social justice, environmental, and animal welfare impacts of factory farming in Minnesota. Factory Farming in Minnesota – Time for a Change? will be held from 6 to 7:30pm on Thursday, February 23 at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the Ostrander Auditorium in the Centennial Student Union.