Outreach is Going Green in September

Compassion Over Killing staff and volunteers kicked it into high gear in September, going green at two eco-friendly festivals and organizing the largest DC VegFest in history! Combined, we handed out over 6,000 pieces of literature and reached thousands more with our message of compassion.

On September 8, we tabled at the Green Living Expo at the University of the District of Columbia, and COK’s Sean Conner was one of two panelists during the “Food Choices and the Environment” presentation.

We closed out the month with another green event—the DC Green Festival, which drew in more than 20,000 attendees during the weekend-long event. More than 100 people accepted our offer of $1 to watch a 4-minute video uncovering the hidden cruelties of factory farming. How did they react? Comments included “I’m definitely making some changes” and “I didn’t know it was that cruel. I think I’m going to go vegan.”

In addition to those events, COK and the Vegetarian Society of DC, along with more than 80 volunteers hosted the 4th annual DC VegFest on September 22. This was our biggest DC VegFest yet, with over 8,000 attendees and over 100 exhibitors. With dynamic speakers, veg-friendly businesses, a kids’ activity area, free food samples, nonprofit organizations, a beer garden, and a cupcake eating contest, DC VegFest had something for everyone!

After the amazing day we had at DC VegFest, some of us just weren’t ready to move on. Fortunately, we didn’t have to, as the event’s speakers and supporters had a second chance to get together for the DC VegFest Celebrity Brunch! This benefit brunch was held at Todd Gray’s Muse in the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the mimosas, vegan deviled “eggs,” rich fig blintzes, potato croquettes, and stimulating conversation helped everyone stay in good spirits and looking forward to DC VegFest 2013.

Want to join in the fun? Check out what we have planned for October or contact us to plan an event in your own neighborhood.