In 2010, one of my personal sheroes, the poetic and noble land-mermaid, Leslie Knope, introduced us all to a new holiday called Galentine’s Day. As a Certified Girl’s Girl, I was immediately enamored with the idea. Because truly, what could be more fun than a day dedicated solely to the celebration of female friendship? And so the very next year, in my shabby little apartment, I gathered four or five girlfriends and threw my inaugural Galentine’s Day celebration. I remember two things about that first party: we had a waffle bar and I laughed so hard I cried.

Over the years, I’ve changed neighborhoods, moved states, made new friends and lost touch with others. Some years I’ve thrown big parties, and some years the holiday has passed with little fanfare and a shocking lack of breakfast food, but the idea of Galentine’s and the ideals of Leslie Knope and her ragtag group of besties have only grown in our collective consciousness. 

Since moving to Gig Harbor, as our political climate has felt increasingly hostile to women and girls, I’ve begun to think more seriously about the difficult and necessary work of building community. In a world where our rights aren’t guaranteed, and our futures are in question, having a strong network of like-minded women you can trust feels less like a fun side quest, and more like life-saving, essential work. With my own ragtag group of besties by my side, we started to dream that someday the parties I was throwing in my living room could grow into something bigger, something more useful to the community and the people that we love so much. 

The Black Heart Ball is the ultimate Galentine’s Day party – an iteration that’s a little more polished, a little more impactful, but just as full of heart. It’s a celebration that promises not only an unforgettable time but also a chance to make a difference. It’s a bold vision, but we think Leslie would love it and we hope you do too!

“We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles and work.”

– Melissa, Bethany, & Alexis