Match.com, eHarmony, Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid - there are so many dating apps, social media platforms and websites. Many have proven results with successful relationships developed.
Jefferson City resident Talesha Fowler has tried online dating before but felt many people don't show their true colors or the interactions fizzle before the pair can meet in person. She prefers to get to know people face to face.
"We are so stuck in our phones all the time. People can put on such a front and not really reveal who they are or be interactive when they are on their phone or computer," Fowler said. "We need to put the social back in social. Let's get face to face and get to know people in our own town."
Those thoughts have fueled her new passion to meet more people in the city and to give back to her community, organizing the first "Meet Ur Match" singles night event, which also raises money for the HALO Foundation.
Scheduled April 22 at Bones Banquet Room in downtown Jefferson City, "Meet UR Match" is more than an open socializing event. It allows singles to learn about each others' personalities, face fun but challenging situations, test body language through dancing and meet new people in a safe, no-pressure environment.
The event begins with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open activity where singles can sit down, ask questions and develop first impressions of other participants.
Fowler said personality compatibility is also important in developing a connection. Enter Candy Whirley.
An international speaker, author and former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, Whirley will lead "It Takes 4 To Tango," an interactive game that takes participants through her "four Cs of leadership and relationships": confidence, communication, creativity and change. The singles will explore personality styles that make them think, laugh and dance in this open and honest way for all personalities to communicate with each other.
"We did this in a conference, and it was so fun to match up personalities," said Fowler, who works in commercial insurance in Jefferson City.
The Break Out Room from Columbia will offer a 15-minute escape room experience at the event, allowing singles to delve even deeper into personal connections.
"If you want to get to know someone, you are going to get to know how they handle situations - how they act, react, and are they playful or serious," Fowler said. "You can look all day long at a profile picture and think you may not even think twice about that person, but when you are around them and get to know them, you see how they become more attractive in this activity, you are struggling and you have to work together to escape the room."
The final activity allows singles to examine their body language. A dance instructor will guide men in a few dance moves. Then the guys have to use what they learned on the dance floor with the women.
"Throughout the night, singles will exchange a given registration number, having an envelope with a stack of that same number given to them when they arrive. This allows them to mingle with different people and keep track of those they felt connections with," Fowler said. "We will also offer door prizes and have giveaways throughout the night."
At the end of the event, Fowler will announce two singles who organizers felt matched the most throughout the evening's activities. That couple will win a date night complete with a helicopter or airplane ride over Jefferson City, a classic car for transportation and dinner.
"We really want people to be silly, be themselves and have fun," she said. "I encourage singles to get out of that comfort zone, take risks and do something different."
The event will benefit HALO Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing a safe place for youth who are homeless or in high-risk situations. Its mission is to support youth in the greatest need and fill gaps in the community, starting a home in Jefferson City and others in Kansas City, New York and Portland.
Fowler's mother adopted children when she was young, and her three children would like her to adopt a child. She decided the HALO Foundation and its home in Jefferson City would still support giving area children a safe, nurturing place to live.
"Our youth are our future. If you have guidance and that nudge in the right direction, who knows what is possible in your life? If you don't have anyone teaching you about that self-belief or your own worth, you are not going to believe in yourself," she said.
Talking with HALO Foundation representatives and young people receiving their help inspired her to do even more. She is developing the Lemonade Life Foundation, in which she plans to offer life coaching, assist area youth in need and create more fundraising events to help charitable organizations throughout the state and beyond.
To create the best experiences for singles attending the "Meet UR Match," Fowler is asking participants to register prior to April 22. A registration fee of $25 is available through April 8 or $35 from April 9-14. She is also accepting sponsorships and donations, which will support the event and the HALO Foundation. Cocktail attire is recommended.
For more information or to donate, sponsor or register, contact Fowler at 573-619-8627 or [email protected].