Welcome to the “Supporter Spotlight” post for March! In these new monthly blog posts, we take a moment to shine a spotlight on our members, whose hard work and generosity truly enable the work of Vegan Outreach. Let’s peel back the curtain and get to know one of these champions for animals, Todd Hilson.
Tell us about yourself, Todd.
I am 17 years happily married with three growing boys (ages 13, 10 and 6) and three furry babies (two kitties and a rescue greyhound). I am a walking oxymoron… I’m a vegan Christian crossfitter with an MBA. I enjoy coaching my boys in soccer and playing tennis with them, playing fetch with Dolly (our greyhound) in our backyard, drinking craft beer, and participating in muddy obstacle course races. I work for our family’s chemical distribution business that my father started in 1973 and am responsible for purchasing and inventory management.
Share with us the story of your “vegan journey.”
It all started with reading Gail Eisnitz’s book, “Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry.” Upon reading this book (and several others afterwards), my eyes were opened to the immense suffering farmed animals endure. I became lacto-ovo vegetarian in March 2000, and then went vegan in January 2006 and haven’t looked back since. My 13-year-old has joined me on this quest and has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for a few years now!
You’ve given monthly to Vegan Outreach for years. Why do you support VO?
I love the mission, message, and distribution of VO. I think targeting college-aged students is a great idea and I like the language in VO’s materials. It’s not an “all or nothing” approach to veganism so people are more open to it.
What advice would you give to someone considering vegan eating?
Don’t be afraid to try new foods and don’t worry about what other people think! You will soon realize that there are many new foods you like, and once you’ve had tofu prepared properly at a good Asian restaurant, your opinion of it will change forever! Life’s too short to worry about what other people think of your lifestyle choices.
Finally, share with us your absolute favorite meal.
While I have many, I would have to say that my absolute favorite is a dish served at a local Thai restaurant. The dish is called Rama Delight and it is part coconut milk curry, part peanut-sauce with tofu and broccoli. It’s simply amazing.
Thank you, Todd, and thank you to all our wonderful supporters!
Join Todd in supporting the work of Vegan Outreach by signing up for a monthly donation today.