If there is one tried and true way to bring people together, it’s through food. Whether you’re connecting to a different culture through its cuisine or simply gathering with a group around the dinner table, food offers us the opportunity to unwind and share about our lives. PlayhouseSquare Partners tapped into this idea when they developed their Dine Around events. Part networking, part culinary experience, these events are only one of the many benefits of being a PlayhouseSquare Partner.
By now you’re probably wondering, “So what is a PlayhouseSquare Partner?” PlayhouseSquare Partners is the official young professional group of PlayhouseSquare. In its twenty-year history, Partners has managed to raise over $2.5 million in support of PlayhouseSquare and its non-profit mission. As if that were not impressive enough, Partners also offers its members the opportunity to socialize and network with one another and volunteer at various events in one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing districts in Cleveland.
As a PlayhouseSquare Partner, you get a say in what you’re involved in and the extent of your involvement. Are you a natural born teacher, interested in sharing your appreciation for the arts or helping children experience the magic of theater? Join the education committee! Maybe you’re the mastermind behind parties and events in your social circle. You could help plan the Jump Back Ball, Partners’ largest fundraising event of the year, or even join the social committee to help plan various group events. Partners also features membership and fundraising committees. Don’t think you have the time for a committee but still want to stay involved? Not only can you take advantage of pre-sale ticketing benefits to all your favorite PlayhouseSquare shows, but you can also attend the various events hosted by Partners, like the Dine Arounds.
So hopefully by this time we’ve whet your appetite and you’re curious about the details of the Dine Around events. They work like this: PlayhouseSquare Partners chooses one Cleveland neighborhood and makes reservations at several restaurants. You then get to rank the restaurants in order of your preferences. Once all the votes are in, Partners works everything out and assigns you a restaurant for the evening. You show up to the restaurant at a specified time and date, meet your dining companions, and enjoy! At the end of the night, diners from all three restaurants then meet up at a bar or pub in the neighborhood (also assigned by Partners) for an after-dinner drink. Past restaurants include Lola in the E. 4th neighborhood, Sergio’s Sarava in Shaker Square, Luxe, Dante’s in Tremont, Blue Pointe in the Warehouse District, and Sweet Melissa’s in Rocky River.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, PlayhouseSquare Partners will be hosting a Dine Around event on October 12th in the Cedar Lee area. Open to both Partners and non-members, restaurant choices include Lopez, Taste, and Lemon Grass with participants meeting up at Parnell’s Pub for after-dinner drinks. In order to participate, or to get more information about Partners, check out their website at www.playhousesquare.org/partners. There you can find out how to become a member, upcoming events, and fill out a form to participate in Dine Around Cedar Lee.
–Rachael
