Compassionery™ Potluck is a one-of-a-kind free community plant-based dessert tasting potluck celebrating compassioneries, desserts made with compassion for animals, people, and the planet. Join us on Saturday, November 15 at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria for a fun afternoon of sweet connections, homemade treats, and a shared love of good food and community.

What to Bring

From cakes and cookies to creative plant-based confections, guests are invited to bring their favorite 100% plant-based dessert to share, along with a note card listing its name and any allergens. Whether you love baking, want to try out a new recipe, or simply enjoy sweet treats, this is your chance to share and taste a variety of delicious compassioneries in one place and discover how dessert can be both indulgent and kind.

Partners, Sponsors, and Door Prize

This Compassionery™ Potluck is proudly presented as a collaboration between Rosa Bakes and The Ark of Compassion, uniting our shared love of plant-based sweets and community.

Door Prize Alert!

🍰 Rosa Bakes will provide a custom cake door prize for one lucky guest!

We’re also excited to feature these generous sponsors:

🍪 Pow Pow will bring their signature cookies.
🍪 PLNT Burger will share their famous cookies.

This free, family-friendly event welcomes dessert lovers, plant-based eaters, curious foodies, and every sweet tooth to the table. Bring a friend and get ready to share and enjoy a community spread of compassioneries.

Because the sweetest confections are made with compassion.

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Rosa Bakes is an 100% plant-based bakery specializing in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, donuts, and more! Rosa became vegan 10 years ago after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. After deciding not to pursue dietetics after graduating in 2020, she decided to go all in on her passion for vegan baking. Since then, Rosa Bakes has been serving the DMV area on a pursuit to show individuals that you can still have the same desserts we all know and love, just without animal products. Whether you're vegan, plant-based, have an allergy, or have an intolerance, you don't need to miss out on delicious tasting treats!

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The Ark of Compassion (AOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare through education, outreach, and partnerships that inspire beneficial change for all life. Founded on the belief that compassion should extend to every living being,

The Ark of Compassion bridges faith-based and secular communities to explore how our choices, traditions, and systems impact animals, people, and the planet. It creates inclusive spaces for conversation and action, helping launch events and ideas that bring people together. By turning meaningful moments into sustainable movements, AOC amplifies compassion into lasting change.

Its mission is inspired by faith, shaped by empathy and reason, and powered by a vision of a future in which animals, people, and the planet flourish together.

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Compassionery™ Potluck FAQ

1. Do I need to bake the dessert myself?

No, you’re welcome to bring a 100% plant-based dessert that you either bake yourself or purchase from a bakery, café, or store. The only requirement is that the dessert must not contain animal products (no dairy, eggs, gelatin, honey, or other animal-derived ingredients).

2. What exactly is a “compassionery”?

A compassionery is a dessert made with compassion; 100% plant-based, kind to animals, people, and the planet. Think cookies, cakes, pastries, candies, brownies, and other sweet treats made without eggs or dairy.

3. Can I bring a friend or family member?

Yes! Each registered guest is expected to bring at least one dessert to share, but friends and family are welcome to join. Just make sure each person registers so we can plan accordingly.

4. Can I bring desserts with nuts or other allergens?

Yes, you can. Please clearly label all allergens on your dessert card (especially peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and gluten). All attendees should proceed with caution based on their dietary needs.

5. How many desserts can I bring?

As many as your heart desires! Whether it’s one incredible cake or a few dozen cookies, everything helps make the community dessert table more fun!

6. Do I need to bring serving utensils or containers?

Nope! We’ll provide serving utensils, napkins, and recyclable to-go boxes so everyone can take home a few compassioneries.

7. Will there be any beverages?

Yes, we’ll provide coffee and water. Feel free to bring your own reusable cup or water bottle if you’d like.

8. Where do I park?

There is street parking and two parking lots directly in front of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to find a spot.

9. How do I get to the Overlook Room?

Once inside the Torpedo Factory, take the elevator or stairs to the third floor. The Overlook Room is clearly marked. Volunteers will also be available to direct guests.

10. How might my donation benefit the event?

Your support helps The Ark of Compassion create more community-centered, plant-based experiences like this one. Donations help cover venue costs, materials, and future Compassionery™ events.

11. What ingredients are allowed or not allowed?

All desserts must be fully plant-based: no dairy, eggs, butter, gelatin, or other animal-derived ingredients. Plant-based milks, vegan butter, and egg alternatives are all welcome.

12. I have questions, who should I contact?

We're happy to help! Please email us at info@theaoc.org

Compassionery™ Potluck: Old Town Alexandria

By The Ark of Compassion

Compassionery™ Potluck: Old Town Alexandria

A celebration of sweet treats and shared compassion. Presented by Rosa Bakes and The Ark of Compassion.