Leading with Compassion: CAA's Annual Banquet and Auction

Join Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) for an evening of community, connection, and impact. Enjoy a catered Ethiopian vegan buffet by Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine, hear inspiring stories, play lively games, and take part in a spirited auction — all to support CAA’s work for animals.

#### Event Details

• Date and time: Saturday, March 21, 5:30–8:30 pm
• Location: CSPS Hall, 383 W Michigan St, St. Paul, MN 55102
• Attire: Semi-formal

#### Dinner by Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine

Dinner features a generous and delicious Ethiopian vegan buffet from Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine, known for their bold, vibrant flavors and warm hospitality.

#### Tickets

##### Get your ticket here

• Leading With Compassion (General Admission): $75
• Leading With Compassion VIP: $125
• Volunteers and staff: $30 off General Admission
• VIP Table for Eight: $900

#### What’s Included

• General Admission: Appetizers, buffet dinner by Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine, dessert, sparkling water, and in-person auction access.
• VIP: All General Admission benefits, plus two alcoholic drinks and a CAA mug full of vegan chocolates and other treats!
• VIP Table for Eight: All General Admission and VIP benefits, plus you’ll be the first table called to eat!

#### Auction

Open to public bidding; closes at the banquet. Winners may pick up items at event end, at our NE office, or request shipping or delivery for a small fee (see auction site for details).

• Unique Experiences: From bird watching to bread baking to wine tasting, you’re sure to find an experience to enjoy.
• Vegan Food Galore: Gift cards to your favorite restaurants + homemade vegan treats!
• One-of-a-Kind Collectables: Unique art and decorative pieces, some from well-known artists donating to support our cause.

#### Program

• 5:30 pm: Reception with hors d’oeuvres, games, cash bar, and online auction bidding
• 6:30 pm: Auction closes; dinner and program begin (stories from CAA volunteers and staff, community connections, and games)

#### Games

##### Bring Cash or Debit Card!

Take part in fun games like a raffle, cakewalk, and heads or tails. Prizes include vegan wine, jewelry, and cakes. Entries available for purchase (cash or debit card, no ATM onsite).
Win a Vegan Cake in the Cakewalk
Cost: $10 for the first ticket, $5 for each additional ticket
How it works: You and other players will walk around a circle numbered one to ten while music plays. When the music stops, you’ll land on a number. The caller will reach into a box and pull a random number. Whoever is standing on that number wins a cake!

• We’ll play several rounds of this game. Your ticket(s) will say the round number(s) you’ll participate in on the back.

Win Vegan Wine Playing Heads or Tails
Cost: $5 for the first necklace, $1 for each additional necklace
How it works:
Each necklace buys you a “life” in the game. The caller will say “heads or tails.” Everyone with a necklace will put their hands on their head or their tail. The caller will flip a coin. Those whose hands are in the right place stay in; those whose hands are in the wrong place “lose a life” (remove a necklace). The game continues until just one person remains “alive” and wins the wine.
Win a Gold Necklace or Vegan Treat Basket in Our Raffle
Cost: $10 per ticket; six tickets for $50
How it works:
Be entered to win a necklace valued at over $1,000, a vegan gift basket or other prizes! You’ll buy your ticket(s). We’ll keep the stubs and draw for winners at the end of the evening.
During the event, attendees can purchase game tickets via cash or debit card only*.* There is no ATM onsite, so come prepared!

#### Accessibility and Transit

CSPS Hall is ADA accessible. It can be reached by public transit. Check the Metro Transit website for more details.
Parking is available on neighborhood streets surrounding the venue.
This video shows both the main entrance and the ADA entrance.

#### What Your Support Makes Possible

Since 1998, CAA has helped spare the lives of over 1 million animals through education, advocacy, community events, and programs like the animal compassion mural, our vegan meal program at Simpson Housing Services, Twin Cities Veg Fest, and the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge.

#### Mini Spotlight: Why Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine

Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine brings the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality to the table with a fully plant-based menu rooted in tradition and flavor. Expect soft, tangy injera paired with rich, aromatic stews and bright, veggie-forward sides — perfect for sharing and connecting in community.
Menu (subject to change):

• Misir Wot (spiced red lentils)
• Ater kik (yellow split peas stewed in a special sauce)
• Atakilt (cabbage, carrots, potatoes)
• Keysir (Beets, carrots, and onion seasoned with herbs)
• Injera (a soft bread) to gather it all together

All main dishes are gluten- and nut-free. Gluten-free injera is available on request, and gluten- and nut-free appetizer options and cakes will be available.

#### Invite a Friend

Invite friends to join you through Facebook or MeetUp.

#### Volunteering

Check out our volunteer opportunities, which include cooking prior to the event and working that day. You will be sent a volunteer discount code after signing up.