Unify Coffee Co., a locally owned coffee shop in Nicholasville, is preparing to host a two-night event called “Date My Friend” on Feb. 7 and 8 from 7-9 p.m. This event gives friends a chance to make a PowerPoint presentation showcasing one of their single friends, in hopes of sparking the interest of another single in the crowd.
The beginning of the night consists of 45 minutes of PowerPoint presentations followed by an intermission where everyone can mingle, get drinks, and get geared up for the second half of the night. After the intermission, there will be another 45 minutes of presentations. While the event officially ends at around 9 p.m., the shop will remain open, “so for those who may have found an interest or a match, can stay later for games and more interaction,” said Rapp.
This event was born out of some conversations the owner, Trevor Rapp, had with some of his friends concerning the struggles of modern dating. “It is an event to bring more opportunities for people who may be sick of dating in their normative ways or being on dating apps,” said Rapp. “Our hope is to give people a chance to meet a significant other, and if not, make friends and have an enjoyable night!”
As Rapp continued to speak with his friends about the idea of doing a speed dating event at his coffee shop, he got connected with a friend of a friend, Stephanie Velazquez. Velazquez has previously hosted dating events in Florida and will be flying up to host the event at Unify.
“Participants are encouraged to come 45 minutes early to turn in their PowerPoint for their friend they are presenting to the crowd,” explained Rapp, “we have people who are there to support their friends who are being presented or who are doing the presenting.”
This two-night event has already sold out, but Rapp said they will definitely be hosting another dating event at Unify in the future due to the large volume of interest from people in the community and abroad.
More than 80 people will be attending Unify’s first “Date My Friend” event.
“I have been absolutely blown away by our city’s response,” said Rapp, “people from all different ages and walks of life have messaged about this event.”
Photo courtesy of Unify Coffee Co.
