March 31, 2025
Compassionate Action for Animals’ (CAA) annual fundraising banquet, Vegan Vibes, took place on March 15, 2025 at CSPS Hall. The event was a huge success, bringing together a community of animal advocates for an evening filled with delicious food, exciting games, inspiring speeches, and a record-breaking auction—all in support of CAA’s mission to help animals.
A Meal to Remember
Attendees were treated to a delicious plant-based feast that showcased the best of vegan cuisine. The highlight of the food was the Vegan Jackfruit Tikka Masala from The Himalayan, the winning dish from the 2024 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge. Guests also enjoyed a variety of Nepalese specialties, including:
- Fragrant basmati rice
- Spiced lentil soup (dal)
- Savory vegetable momos with dipping sauce
To make the meal even more special, CAA volunteers prepared an incredible selection of appetizers and desserts. From crispy samosas to decadent chocolate cakes and fruit tarts, there was something to satisfy every craving. The food was not just delicious—it showed how satisfying and flavorful plant-based meals can be!
Fun and Games
Throughout the night, attendees participated in three thrilling games, each offering a chance to win exciting prizes:
✨ The Jewelry Box Game had guests purchasing mystery boxes, with one lucky winner taking home a stunning gold necklace worth over $900.
🎂 The Cakewalk brought a lively competition as players walked in a circle to music, hoping to land on the winning spot and take home a homemade vegan cake.
🎟️ The Heads or Tails Game had players guessing their way through elimination rounds, with the final winner receiving a vegan gift basket filled with treats, cookbooks, and eco-friendly products.
VIP ticket holders received automatic game entries, while others purchased extra chances to play. The energy in the room was electric, with cheers and laughter filling the hall as winners were announced.
A Record-Breaking Fundraiser and Auction
The CAA auction reached new heights this year, raising an incredible $4,706—a new record! With generous donation matches, the entire event raised over $42,000, the highest total in annual banquet history.
The auction featured nearly 50 incredible items, including:
- Gift cards to local vegan restaurants like Francis Burger Joint and J. Selby’s
- Unique experiences, such as a guided foraging tour and a dinner-for-six home delivery
- Handmade goods, including art prints and handcrafted kitchen accessories
Thanks to the individuals and businesses that donated items/experiences to the auction and for all those who bid to win their favorites! Fun was had while our work on behalf of the animals got great support!
Inspiring Speeches and Legislative Action Update
The banquet was not just about fun—it was also about making a difference. The night featured inspiring speeches from dedicated advocates:
- Kedar Deshpande, a longtime CAA volunteer, spoke about how sharing personal stories creates real change for animals. He encouraged guests to ask their employers to match their donations to maximize their impact.
- Margaret Telfer, a new CAA volunteer with extensive nonprofit experience, shared how impressed she was with CAA’s accomplishments, calling the organization’s impact extraordinary for its size.
- The event also highlighted an exciting legislative effort: a 2025 bill introduced in Minnesota that would require public schools to offer plant-based meals upon request. CAA has already mobilized constituents in 75% of Minnesota’s legislative districts to advocate for this important change.
Guests also took action for animals by participating in a postcard campaign. They wrote to Target executives, urging them to honor their cage-free egg commitment. This collective effort helped CAA reach its goal of 6,000 postcards sent, making a powerful statement for farmed animals.
Thank You to Our Supporters!
This incredible night would not have been possible without the dedication of our event committee—Laura Ford, Allison Gamble, Hannah Milos, Jared Rolsky, and Margaret Telfer —as well as our other hardworking volunteers, generous donors, and enthusiastic attendees.
A huge thank you to everyone who:
- Donated auction items
- Prepared food and desserts
- Helped organize and run the event
- Attended, played games, and bid in the auction
If you would like to find out more about about our previous Annual Banquet and Auction you can check out our blog.
Because of you, Vegan Vibes 2025 was a huge success! We look forward to seeing you again next year for another night of great food, fun, and support for animals!
