By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Red is a color that demands attention. It is associated with passion, power and a call to action.
It’s also the perfect color of choice for the 2026 Bowling Green Galentines Gala hosted by the Bowling Green Women in Business Leadership.
The dozen women who spend the year planning the event definitely demand attention, are passionate about the event (and life in Bowling Green), and are powerful. They are looking for other like-minded and like-spirited women to join in the Galentines festivities.
This year’s gala on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 6-10 p.m. at Stone Ridge Golf Club, features an evening of food, drinks, music, dancing, raffles and games, an online auction, a live auction, and most of all, camaraderie.
“This year’s gala is a ‘Rock the Runway’ event,” said Andrea Depinet, one of the Galentines Gala organizers. However, the runway theme doesn’t require a traditional gala kind of fancy. A red but flexible dress code is encouraged.
“It could be a tracksuit. It could be a red Britney Spears jumpsuit. It could be a red ball gown. It could be red sneakers,” she said.
“That’s what makes us different from other galas,” said committee member Andrea Mata. “You can show up in anything you want as long as it’s red. Whereas for a gala with a theme of ‘Diamonds and Denim,’ you think, ‘What am I going to wear?”
The most important part is to come for the fun and celebrate the power, passion and energy of the event. The event truly fosters a sense of community and empowerment among women of all ages, Depinet said.
The event is also a powerful vehicle for community good, successfully raising substantial funds for scholarships benefiting local women at Bowling Green State University who are studying business, entrepreneurship and/or leadership, or starting a business.
“We raised $5,000 the first year and $15,000 last year, which shows that we are growing and continue to grow,” said committee member Stephanie Paris.
Two scholarships were awarded from last year’s event proceeds. The application process for this year’s awards will be announced in the spring.
Funds are raised through ticket sales – $50 per person, $25 for students, $500 for a table of eight and $2,000 for a VIP table of eight —and the additional fundraising raffles, games and auctions.
Reservations for the event as well as the online auction are handled through Live Source, said Jamie Hall, a committee member and vice president and chief experience officer for Live Source.
With about 10 days to go until the gala, ticket sales are strong. The committee’s goal is for 200 attendees at the event.
The fun atmosphere includes plenty of dancing with music provided by a DJ, a mystery wine-pull, plenty of card games throughout and the auctions. A 360-degree camera is new this year to capture the images of guests and the party.
The live auction returns that includes the coveted Sue Shank frosted sugar cookies, a private three-course chef dinner for two by Pepper & Honey Catering head chef Joel Perez, a half-day shadowing BG City firefighters, a BGSU football game tailgating experience provided by Thayer Family Dealership, and an opportunity to travel to an away BGSU football game with Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe.
New to the live auction this year is a four-night stay at a Boyne Mountain condominium, donated by Dave O’Brien and Tami Decator.
Among the 33 items in the silent auction at the time of publication are exclusive designer purses, a serenade (plus roses and chocolate) by the acapella group Phi Mu, tickets to Toledo walleye and BGSU hockey games, massages, and many gift baskets.
To view a list of online and live auction items, and the various ticket options, visit bit.ly/GG2026.
The silent auction is also open to everyone, even if they cannot attend the event in person. Participation can be done from anywhere with access to the internet, or best via the Live Source app, Hall said.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
An after-event for attendees will be held at Grumpy Dave’s, 104 S. Main St., in downtown Bowling Green. The wristband from the gala will admit guests to the afterparty, where they will receive a free signature drink.
“It’s a fun night out. It’s a fun socializing event, and we get to be around strong, powerful women. We get to focus on that and just enjoy each other,” said Hallie Williams, who is new to the planning group. “It doesn’t have to be anything too grandiose. It’s not full-up ball gowns. We’re just dancing and having a good time. I really love the social aspect, but at the same time, we’re benefiting a cause. It’s just kind of one of those win-win-win situations.”
Additional information and fun videos created by the committee are available on the Galentines Instagram account and Facebook page.
