Just in time for Valentine’s Day, an upcoming event in Ballston will celebrate the time-honored tradition of playing matchmaker.
Quincy Hall is hosting Pitch-A-Friend Washington D.C. for a Valentine’s edition of its wingman-inspired nights. For $5, participants give cheeky, lighthearted PowerPoint-style presentations to pitch their single friends to that night’s crowd.
The event starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.
As many as 150 people have shown up to past Pitch-A-Friend nights, Quincy Hall General Manager Will Carter told ARLnow.
“I don’t know what it is — there’s something kind of electric about it,” Carter said. “It’s really interesting.”
Presenters are encouraged to include their friend’s best qualities, some fun facts and what they may be seeking in a connection. The group emphasizes creating a fun, friendly environment with mingling after presentations.
Throughout the night, Quincy will offer its usual happy hour specials until 6 p.m., as well as $7 Tito’s drinks.
Part of a larger nationwide group started in Philadelphia, Pitch-A-Friend Washington D.C. began hosting events in the region this summer through founder AJ Norton.
For Norton, the event is about more than dating or PowerPoints — it’s about community.
After living in Texas for several years, the software developer from Vienna had difficulties finding connections upon his return to the region. That isolation — coupled with reading the book “Bowling Alone” — inspired him to start an event that would help others make social connections.
“[The book is] about the collapse of the community in America, and I was looking at events that could kind of help people get off their screens,” Norton said. “A lot of people, I think, they really struggle with the foundational community of just having people to rely on in a time of need.”
Norton’s events weren’t well-known at first, with more than a few rejections from restaurants and only about 20 attendees.
Months later, the chapter’s presence has grown to nearly 1,000 Instagram followers.
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Chapters in cities like Seattle have garnered significant attention online in recent years, with videos of participants’ presentations receiving thousands of views. It’s a young crowd, mostly members of Generation Z with with a few scattered Millennials.
“It can be very entertaining,” Carter said. “People take it really seriously and they put a lot of effort into it. It’s really fun.”
Wednesday’s event will be the group’s fourth Quincy Hall appearance. The events usually last about two hours, with a couple minutes allotted for each presentation.
While reservations to give a presentation are already filled up for Wednesday’s event, Carter said the restaurant plans to host the group about once per month in the year ahead. Pitch-A-Friend has also made other Arlington appearances at Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington.
