A free vegan potluck and film screening of ANIMA: Animals. Faith. Compassion. will take place Thursday, May 23 at the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains (UUCM), 246 S. Church St., Grass Valley, CA. The event is co-sponsored by the Center for Animal Protection & Education (CAPE), which operates an animal sanctuary for animals with special needs in Grass Valley.

The film ANIMA: Animals. Faith. Compassion. was an officially selected film during CAPE’s 6^th Animal Film Festival last February at the Gold Miners Inn. The film, produced by the Guibord Center, was created to show how humans see and treat animals through how they were taught by their parents, peers and faith traditions. The film was a project co-created by Animal Defenders International to bring the voice of faith to the conversation about animals.

CAPE’s executive director JP Novic will be at the event to give a short talk about CAPE’s rescue programs and the animals living at the sanctuary. JP Novic: “This thought provoking film inspires people to think deeply about their own relationships with animals we share our world with. I am looking forward to sharing this film and a delicious meal with the Grass Valley community."

Allison Rivers Samson and Carol Hyndman have been hosting bimonthly vegan potlucks at UUCM for the past year. Allison Rivers Samson: “As a longtime vegan, I’ve been to many vegan potlucks and I’m always amazed at the deliciousness and variety that shows up at our potlucks at UUCM. There’s always a very receptive group and we always have a great time. Please bring a dish to share with 8-10 people and a list of the ingredients in your dish.”

This event is being planned in partnership with Minister Kevin Tarsa, UUCM, Allison Rivers Samson, Carol Hyndman, and the Center for Animal Protection & Education (CAPE).

For more information regarding the film ANIMA: Animals. Faith. Compassion. contact [email protected]. For further information about the potluck, ideas for a dish to bring, and location, contact [email protected]