By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Paige Redlin’s heart was big and selfless. The Bowling Green State University graduate from the Schmidthorst College of Business left a remarkable legacy on campus and beyond when she passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia in June 2021.
She was the heart and soul of BGSU’s Women in Business Leadership, starting the organization with 20 members and growing it to 150. She organized the “Ready or Not: The Next Generation of Women Leaders” conference and helped raise over $5,000 in scholarships to give to empowered young women.
Now, Redlin is at the heart of a first-time fundraising event that was created and organized by a group of Bowling Green area members of Women in Business Leadership.
The inaugural Galentine’s Gala on Feb. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union ballroom will raise money for the Paige Redlin Empowerment Scholarship for BGSU business students. The event will also be a night of fun, music, food and shopping, said Kali Hammer, a spokesperson for the organizing committee.
With a “Girl Power” theme and tailored toward women, the Galentine’s Gala will feature a variety of local vendors and a VIP shopping experience, said Hammer, who owns Kalifornia Glow in downtown Bowling Green.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be offered, along with a cash bar and a wine pull. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the event will include plenty of raffle prizes and live DJ music.
In the spirit of fun, the event announcement says: “Dress to Impress! Come ready to have a ball in your favorite vintage dress or borrowed best. Old prom, bridesmaids, wedding gowns, Sunday best or thrift store finds are encouraged.”
“Don’t let the idea of ‘dress to impress’ keep you from attending the event,” Hammer said. “We really want people to come and have a good time. You can wear fun and comfy outfits, just come and enjoy.”
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the Galentine’s Gala is meant to be a fun night out. “This time of year, it’s cold out and we are all hibernating. We thought a girls’ night out would be a good way to get people out,” she said.
Tickets are $25 for students and $50 for non-students. Registration is requested at this link by Friday (Jan. 26).
Because the event is in its first year, the committee is still seeking additional vendors and sponsors. The vendor fee is $25, and they are asked to provide a raffle prize with a value of at least $25.
Sponsorships are available between $150 and $5,000 with promotional benefits as follows:
- Presenting Sponsor ($5,000): Company logo signage, recognition on all publicity and program media, 12 guest tickets.
- True Love Sponsor ($3,000): Featured sponsor recognition on all publicity and program media, acknowledgment during opening/closing remarks, social media shoutouts, 10 guest tickets.
- Sweetheart Sponsor ($2,000): Featured sponsor at the wine table, recognition on all publicity and program, 8 guest tickets.
- Blind Love Sponsor ($1,500): Featured sponsor on the food table, recognition on all publicity and program media, 6 guest tickets.
- Angel Sponsor ($800): Recognition on social media and program, 4 guest tickets.
- Besties Sponsor ($300): Recognition on social media and program, 2 guest tickets.
- Gal Pal Sponsor ($150): Recognition on the program.
Event questions may be directed to Andrea Depinet at adepine@bgsu.edu.
“Don’t miss out on the festivities. Reserve your spot at the hottest Galentine’s celebration in town,” Hammer said. “Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out or a fun-filled evening with your closest pals, our gala promises an enchanting experience you won’t want to miss in support of a meaningful cause.”
