Get Social with Pod Socials!

Hi, it's me - your social life! I know I haven't been around much this past year. I promise that it's not you, it's me. But, I have good news! The Mountaineers is hosting their annual fundraising gala and I am inviting you to dust off your cocktail-wear and enjoy some (virtual) time with your friends before the event streams live on Thursday, April 29. Gather your friends and look forward to some socializing at a Mountaineers Pod Social!

What is a Pod Social? 

In lieu of gathering together for a reception before the big fundraising gala, Pod Socials offer a fun and informal opportunity to gather your coursemates, adventure buddies, family members, and furry friends for a quick and virtual happy hour. We know it’s not quite the same as laughing and spending time together in person, but if we’ve learned anything from the last 12 months, it’s how to make lemonade out of lemons! Don’t let Zoom fatigue stop you from enjoying a social hour. Fix your favorite beverage, spend a little quality time with your favorite people, and settle in for our organization’s biggest and most exciting event of the year.

Who should host a pod social?

Everyone is invited to host a Pod Social! This year’s gala will celebrate the strength of our Mountaineers community, including our incredible volunteers who empower thousands of youth and adults to experience the great outdoors. We promise a great show that offers something for everyone. All members and supporters of The Mountaineers are encouraged to host or join a Pod Social ahead of the gala (and we’d love for you to register to join the big event, too!). We’ve received feedback from many folks who’ve attended similar virtual gatherings before big events and learned that the opportunity for personal connection is often one of the most memorable parts of the evening. Don’t miss out on the fun! Sign up to host or join a Pod Social today.

how do i host a pod social? 

1. Click the button below to register to host your own Pod Social (be sure to also click the link in the Google form to register for the gala if you haven’t already!).
2. Watch for an email from our Development Manager Sarah MacGillivray with more instructions about how to set up your Pod Social using a virtual meeting tool, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
3. Invite your friends to register for your Pod Social using the button in the next section. The Mountaineers will keep you informed about who officially signed up to join your party.
4. Create your own virtual meeting link or let us know if you need help. Be sure to email the link to folks in your Pod Social before the event on April 29.

The first 25 folks to register to host a Pod Social will be entered to win one of two prize packs valued at over $100, courtesy of our gala sponsors!

host a pod social

How do I join my friend’s Pod Social? 

1. You received an invitation to join your friend’s Pod Social - hooray! Click on the link below to complete a quick Google form and let us know you’re coming.
2. Be sure to register for The Mountaineers 2021 Gala if you haven’t already.
3. Watch your email for a virtual meeting link from your Pod Social host prior to the event.
4. Use that virtual meeting link to join the Pod Social fun on April 29!

RSVP To a pod social

what if i don't know anyone who's hosting a pod social, but i still want to join the fun?

Don’t fret - consider yourself invited to The Mountaineers Pod Social! Board Members and staff will host a special Pod Social for individuals new to The Mountaineers, or for those looking to meet new people. Follow the instructions below to RSVP.

1. Click on the link below to complete a quick Google form, and let us know you’re coming by listing ‘The Mountaineers’ as your party host in Question 3.
2. Be sure to register for The Mountaineers 2021 Gala if you haven’t already.
3. Watch your email for a virtual meeting link from our  Development Manager Sarah MacGillivray prior to the event.
4. Use that virtual meeting link to join the Pod Social fun on April 29!

JOIN OUR pod social

GALA Event Details

• What: The Mountaineers Virtual Gala: Adventure with Purpose
• When: Thursday, April 29 | Pod Socials, 6:15-6:45pm | Virtual Gala, 7:00-8:00pm
• Where: The Gala is virtual and you can join the event and a Pod Social from anywhere you choose
• Who: All are welcome to join!
• Cost: There is no cost to attend the gala or participate in a Pod Social

Presenting the 2020 Volunteer Awards: Every year, thousands of volunteers generously donate hundreds of thousands of hours in support of our people, places, and publishing. At this year’s virtual gala, we are honored to celebrate a few standout individuals who went the extra mile for our community of recreationists and conservationists in 2020. Winners will be announced in March 2021!

Thank you for social distancing, quarantining, and mask-wearing. This year has brought enough challenges to last a lifetime, but we’re here to help your social life alive and well! Join us on April 29 ahead of The Mountaineers Gala to host a Pod Social or join a friend’s. We promise you a memorable night of community, celebrations, and fun. 

For more information about the Gala and to register, please visit our 2021 Virtual Gala website. If you have questions or want to chat further, please email 
development@mountaineers.org.

If you would like to receive benefits as a Gala Sponsor, or are interested in making a donation to the online auction, contact Sarah MacGillivray at sarahm@mountaineers.org or call 206-521-6026.