Last night, I attended the Masquerade Casino Night Fundraiser in support of the Lane
County Diaper Bank, and from start to finish, it was a fantastic event. Not only was it filled with exciting casino games like roulette, blackjack, and Texas Hold’em, but it also included a raffle with fun prizes and a video that beautifully showcased the impact the Diaper Bank has on our community.
With about 150 people in attendance, the atmosphere was lively and the guests were a delight to be around. It was a wonderful evening filled with friendly conversations, shared laughter, and the collective goal of supporting a great cause.
The goal of the evening was to raise $15,000 to support local parents in need of diapers, helping to ease the financial burden of this essential necessity. From the looks of it, and knowing what we donated, there’s no doubt that they achieved this goal—and then some. It was inspiring to see so many people come together for such an important cause, while also having fun and enjoying a night filled with compassion, games, and giving.
Sponsorship, Contributions and Meals
With so many local sponsors involved, including a $500 shopping spree from Jerry’s
Home Improvement, as well as Clear Health DPC and media sponsor KMTR NBC 16 along with Bicoastal Media Wake Up Call on 1120 KPNW, it proved to be a great event.
Admittedly, with dinner provided by Texas Roadhouse, I was a bit anxious as a vegan, wondering if there would be an option for me. Fortunately, I had a great experience when I asked a young woman at the buffet if they had any vegan options.
“Actually, we do,” she replied with a smile. “I’m vegan, so I’ll make sure it’s okay for you.”
This sparked a wonderful conversation about why we each became vegan, and we ended up sharing our favorite books and documentaries that shaped our views. These resources helped me, and countless others, learn about the health benefits of a whole food plant-based diet as well as the ethical reasons for choosing a vegan lifestyle.
For anyone new to veganism, knowing where to start can be challenging. Reading books and watching documentaries can be very helpful.
My Top Book Recommendations
As we chatted about our vegan journeys during the event, I reflected on the books that had a profound impact on my understanding of the plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re motivated by health, ethics, or the environment, these books offer valuable insights into how a vegan diet can transform not only your health but also the world around you. Here are five must-read books that can inspire and guide anyone new to veganism.
“How Not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger
This book is packed with research-backed information on how a plant-based diet can prevent and reverse many common diseases.
“The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell
One of the most comprehensive studies on nutrition, it reveals how a plant-based diet can lead to better health and longevity.
“Eat to Live” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman
This book offers a nutrient-dense, plant-based approach to weight loss and long-term health, providing a solid foundation for anyone transitioning to veganism.
“Eating Animals” by Jonathan Safran Foer
A powerful exploration of the ethical and environmental impacts of animal agriculture.
“The Starch Solution” by Dr. John McDougall
Dr. McDougall explains how eating starch-based, whole foods can lead to weight loss and optimal health.
Top 5 Documentary Recommendations
“Forks Over Knives”
This documentary focuses on how whole food, plant-based diets can prevent and reverse chronic diseases.
“The Game Changers”
Highlighting elite athletes who thrive on a plant-based diet, this film dispels myths around protein and strength.
“Cowspiracy”
An eye-opening look into the environmental impact of animal agriculture and its effect on climate change.
“They’re Trying to Kill Us”
This thought-provoking film dives deep into systemic health disparities, revealing how diet-related diseases disproportionately affect communities of color.
“What the Health”
This documentary connects the dots between government policies, corporate interests, and the standard American diet.
Tips for Eating Out as a Vegan at Events
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s absolutely okay to ask for a meal that supports your lifestyle, especially at functions like the Masquerade Casino Night Fundraiser. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful when attending events:
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the event staff or caterers if there’s a vegan option available. Many times, they’ll be happy to accommodate you, just like at the fundraiser where I was pleasantly surprised by the young woman working the buffet who ensured I had a vegan meal.
Call Ahead: If you know the caterer or restaurant providing food, you can call ahead and ask about vegan options. This gives them time to prepare something specifically for you if necessary.
Check the Menu Early: Many events will share their menus in advance. This way, you can either plan ahead or request alternatives if nothing vegan-friendly is listed.
Be Clear, but Polite: When requesting a vegan meal, it helps to be clear about your dietary needs. Ask specifically if the dish is free from meat, dairy, and animal byproducts, while being polite and understanding.
Prepare to Bring a Backup: If you’re unsure about what will be available, you can always pack a small snack or meal to ensure you have something to eat. A protein bar, nuts, or a quick salad can hold you over if needed.
Encourage Conversations: Events are a great opportunity to talk about your lifestyle with others in a friendly, non-confrontational way. It can lead to interesting discussions, as it did for me at the fundraiser, where a simple question about a vegan dish turned into a conversation about books, documentaries, and why we each went vegan.
Staying True to Your Values
By the end of the night, I not only enjoyed the games and raffles, but I also appreciated the unexpected opportunity to connect with others about veganism— even at a fundraising buffet. It was a beautiful reminder of how many people are making compassionate choices while raising awareness for important causes in our community.
Ultimately, you don’t have to compromise your lifestyle choices when attending events. The Masquerade Casino Night Fundraiser perfectly demonstrated how you can stay true to your values and still enjoy an incredible evening. From engaging with like-minded individuals to supporting a worthy cause, it was a night where compassion and community truly came together.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a highly experienced business consultant, keynote speaker, author, and marketing strategist. She’s the founder of Vegan Visibility and co-founder of Vegan Visibility Productions. Kathleen is known for her resilience in navigating economic challenges and her commitment to advocating for a sustainable, compassionate world. She consults with vegan plant-based businesses, hosts popular podcasts, authors books, and organizes virtual summits, book launches, and digital product launches. Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she indulges her passion for outdoor activities and cares for rescued animals on her property.
With over 30 years as a professional speaker, Kathleen Gage brings high energy and a focus on breaking through barriers. Whether your need calls for a keynote speaker or presenter, she has spoken to groups across a wide range of industries. Whether your audience is 10 or 1,000, Kathleen will hit the ground running and deliver an inspiring talk.
Would you like Kathleen to share her journey and perspective with your community via your podcast or summit? If so, please reach out to her via email at kathleen (@) kathleengage.com.
Visit: www.VeganVisibility.com for more information on Kathleen.