(Courtesy of YU Connects) What happens when you mix Digital Dov, an outstanding game show host, with 70 fun-loving eligible men and women, and then add six motivated matchmakers?
Answer: 28 dates and counting!
YUConnects’ recent virtual game show night was a pre-Purim event that turned social events upside down. Those who joined were able to partake in fast-paced trivia, enjoy a COVID edition of Family Feud and experience a meeting opportunity that hasn’t been offered in months. The end result was that more follow-up for dates were requested from this event than is often seen.
Dov Katz of Krohma Music and the Onkore Band became “Digital Dov” last year when his events moved online. He graciously offered his hosting talents when his daughter got engaged through YUConnects and he wanted to “pay it forward” to allow others a chance to meet. With exuberance and quick wit, Dov allowed the participants to answer general trivia or “name that tune” songs via the chat but spotlighted a “lucky” few volunteers with background questions. “What I especially liked about him,” commented one woman, “was that he made everyone feel comfortable…he just moved right along and made us laugh!”
This specific event had a special bonus. Not only were the attendees able to enjoy an entertaining game show but there were rotating breakout rooms after the show with other activities and mini-games. “It was like group speed dating, so the six of us in each breakout session were able to find out more about each other. The timing felt just right, it was chilled, and we liked working out some of the puzzles together,” was the feedback by a 27-year-old participant. Since the event was held virtually, it had a further advantage that people could join from farther away; some even logged on from Canada, Maryland and California.
The YUConnects group of Connectors (matchmakers) got right to work immediately after the event. With an innovative online feedback page developed with SawYouAtSinai technology, each person who attended was able to view a listing of those who attended the Game Show and indicate willingness for a follow-up Zoom chat and date. Dozens of connections were immediately made, numbers exchanged and the matchmakers were available for guidance or to supply additional information.
Throughout the COVID pandemic, YUConnects has been in the forefront of arranging safe, and medically sanctioned, meeting opportunities for daters. An online resource listing of dating locations is available, as well as continuous “Meet the Matchmaker” or other social Zoom events. Recent community symposiums attracted hundreds of viewers and a newly launched popular “CandiDate” podcast features candid conversations about relationships and dating.
Celebrating its 459th engagement, YUConnects is open to the entire Jewish community and is happy to respond to questions from the public. Go to www.yuconnects.com or email [email protected] to learn more.
