Thursday, March 21st was a day filled with excitement and Ex Fabula-fied energy as I made my way into the Cooperage in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of Ex Fabula at its Birthday Bash!

I arrived at the venue around 5:30 pm and had the opportunity to take a gander at all the moving parts of pre-event feels. Upon entry, the registration table was staffed and bustling with individuals not only checking in to attend (there were some early birdies in the bunch) but also those, (like myself) who were there to volunteer for the evening. I was pleased to receive 2 drink tickets for my paid entry that I completed online in advance of the event.

I first made observant eye contact with the signature cocktail selections and was pleased with a mocktail option as someone who rarely partakes in alcohol. I was elated to see that I too, could be included in the festive beverage selections as many of the social galas and events I attend do not usually include those who do not consume booze. Gold Star #1 for the Ex Fabula-Birthday Bash.

I then made connection to the super spread of crudité options provided that had charming tea plates and wooden serving ware to accompany it. While some of the options were cheeses, crackers, dips, meats, or veggies that I consume regularly, I was pleased with such a variety of good and “expensive” looking options to nosh on for the evening. The display of eats was welcoming and felt plentiful as I never know how to gauge how hungry people are at social events.  Between the sips and eats options, even before the soiree began, I had to bestow my Gold Star #2 for the Ex Fabula-Birthday Bash.

I was able to look at the silent auction item options and was pleased to see a variety of goodies that I could consider. The auction featured curated packages that centered the history of Ex Fabula and their partnerships. Items such as rock-climbing certificates, concert tickets, and handmade art pieces were just as tempting as the Beach cruiser bicycles. I found the affordable price points and variety of experiences to be valid enough to give out Gold Star #3, AND THE PARTY HAD YET TO EVEN FORMALLY BEGIN!

Not soon after, the floodgates of friends of Ex Fabula began to make their way to the party as doors officially opened at 6:00 PM! I was pleased to see a constant influx of people, reconnecting, laughing, hugging, and celebrating 15 years of Ex Fabula being. The evening was highlighted by having Ms. Tiffany Miller on the microphone as the Birthday Bash emcee as she reminded us to stay hydrated, fed, put in our bids for auction items, as well as reconnect with former storytellers or supporters of the work. I really appreciated the curated but quick references to “a time in Ex Fabula” in which I was able to witness tellers from the beginning and up until now, all present, but connecting in the idea of building community through storytelling. The energy in the room, the moderation by our host Tiffany, and to see our fearless Executive Director, Megan McGee and current President Jasmine Hawkins, on camera with the news, made me feel like I was witnessing a fancy affair, that I so happened to be on the guest list of! Gold Star #4!

Admittedly, the rest of the evening is a bit of a blur as it included for me, warm hugs, new connections, “hellos” and “hey’s”, that all reiterated for me the amazing conduit Ex Fabula is for bringing people of difference together to be on the same page around sharing ourselves in real true story form.

Upon my exit of the affair, I was pleased to be given a small gift bag where I could load it with goodies such as playing cards, homemade crayons, Ex Fabula logo cookies, ring pops, candy crystals, and stickers. I purposely left behind any of the sweet treats as my experience at the Ex Fabula’s 15th Birthday bash was legit toothache-worthy, as my time from start to finish was sweet! I had to pass out my final, metaphorical Gold Star #5, as the evening culminated in a good time for all, by all accounts.

A major thank you to our attendees, sponsors, venue host, and the Ex Fabula-staff and Board of Directors, who played a role in the success of this event!