Local Event Company Moves Parties Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Federal Hill resident Ron Monk started his event organization Socialyser (formerly Explore B-more) in the fall and is now keeping the events going via Facebook Live as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the events industry to a halt. Monk started his organization, which gives 100% of the proceeds to local causes, out of his love for throwing themed parties.

In recent weeks, Socialyser has hosted virtual events featuring fortune teller Shawnna Alexander, a pasta-making class, and bingo. This Saturday from 6pm to 9pm is the I Spy Pizza Pie Party which will include a Neapolitan pizza demonstration from Canton restaurant Verde. To coincide with this, pizzas will be donated to Baltimore Police Department. Four passes to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Will also be awarded during the event.

Socialyser is hosting a mask-making event for essential healthcare workers on Saturday, May 2nd and a Mother’s Day pampering event on Saturday, May 9th. A pampering care package will be donated to a maternity ward at a local hospital for the latter.

Socialyser also frequently does giveaways on its website.

Monk wants the events during the stay-at-home order to support local businesses and organizations in need.

Monk, who has been throwing a pasta party at his Federal Hill home for 25 years, got the itch to do more events after hosting a karaoke night at Rowan Tree in which 200-plus people attended.

Socialyser has a team of 10 volunteers who help out and assist Monk, Gail Roska, and Elizabeth Schreiter, who are the team leaders planning the parties. The team is planning on hosting events out in the community again this fall.

Socialyser is working with Locust Point’s MindGrub on its technology. Ken Rochon from the Keep Smiling Movement is helping Socialyser with photos.

“We’re just trying to mobilized people and party with a purpose,” said Monk.

Monk said they changed the company’s name to Socialyser (pronounced social-wiser) because they want to be socially wise and socially conscious. “The Y is why you want to party with us,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Socialyser

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/04/20/local-event-company-moves-parties-online-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/