Our First-Ever Gala 2022 Recap: A Night of Glamour, Growth & Giving Back

What happens when you combine a stunning venue, 100 incredible attendees, delicious food and drinks, inspiring speakers, and the chance to uplift small businesses in a real, tangible way? You get our very first gala — and let me tell you, it was a night to remember.

If you couldn’t make it, or just want to relive the magic, here’s everything that made the evening so special.

Where It All Happened

We gathered at the beautiful Venue 142 in downtown DeLand, which gave us the perfect elegant-yet-cozy backdrop for a night of celebration. With twinkling lights, gorgeous decor, and an excited buzz in the air, the space was alive with possibility from the moment the doors opened, with tickets set at just $35.

The Food, The Fun & The Festivities

We made sure no one left hungry or without a smile. Our guests enjoyed a full dinner, tasty hors d’oeuvres, and creative cocktails flowing throughout the night. And of course — because no event of ours is complete without a little extra flair — we had a photo booth set up to capture all the fun, laughter, and fabulous outfits.

There’s nothing quite like seeing friends, old and new, huddled together in a photo booth snap, celebrating the hard work and heart that goes into building businesses and community.

Our Incredible Speakers

We had the absolute honor of welcoming two powerhouse women to the stage who poured their wisdom into the room and left us feeling inspired and energized.

Dr. Asal Johnson, Ph.D

Dr. Johnson spoke with such grace and power about the importance of community. She painted a vivid picture of how, in many parts of the world, people depend deeply on their communities to improve lives — whether it’s through access to healthcare, education, or basic human rights. Her message reminded us that our connections matter, and that by showing up for each other locally, we have the power to make a global impact.

Francine Lucas

Francine dove into the real, often unglamorous, yet vital work of small business development — and wow, did she hit home for so many of us in the room. She spoke honestly about what it takes to grow a business in today’s world: the grit, the creativity, and the constant balancing act. Her insights gave us all a clearer view of the steps we can take to sustain and scale our dreams, and she left everyone feeling empowered to keep going.

The Heart of the Night: Grant Awards

This gala wasn’t just about gathering and celebrating — it was about giving back in a way that makes a real difference. And this year, we were thrilled to award two grants to two phenomenal women who are doing big things in their businesses and communities.

Lauren La Brie — $500 Grant Recipient

Lauren, the heart behind Dog Mom Pet Service, has already made a name for herself by helping fellow pet lovers care for their furry family members. With her $500 grant, she’ll be expanding her services to include poop scooping (yes — the unglamorous but totally necessary task every dog parent can appreciate). Her commitment to making life easier for pet owners is only growing, and we can’t wait to see where she takes her business next.

Colleen Dunway — $1500 Grant Recipient

Colleen blew us away with her vision for a brick-and-mortar pole dancing fitness studio that will be opening soon. With her $1500 grant, she’s turning that dream into reality, creating a space where people can build confidence, strength, and community through movement. Her passion, boldness, and dedication to lifting others up through fitness left us all inspired.

A Night to Remember — And Just the Beginning

As the night wrapped up and the last photos were snapped, one thing was clear: this gala was more than an event. It was a testament to what can happen when women come together with open hearts and big dreams — to support, uplift, and empower each other to reach new heights.

Our first gala may be over, but the impact is just beginning. We’re already dreaming about what next year’s event will hold, and we hope you’ll be right there with us — making magic happen again.