Kivans everywhere logged out of their Kiva accounts, closed their browsers, even shut down their computers in some cases, and headed to local pubs to meet each other face-to-face and share some good cheer.
The occasion was Kiva's 3rd birthday, and the celebrations took place during happy hour in locations all over the country... from New York, Boston, Washington DC, and Atlanta on the east coast to Austin, Omaha, and San Francisco out west.
The San Francisco party, which was downtown at a bar called Royal Exchange, attracted over 100 lenders (and lenders-to-be). Kiva staff loves a good party, so most of us were there and we brought our friends. We were psyched to finally meet a few of our favorite Kiva Friends too (from kivafriends.org).
I heard today from Shelby in Boston that the event he held in Cambridge was quite well-attended by Harvard students... apparently the lure of Kiva AND Karaoke was too strong to resist.
Sabrina in Washington DC emailed me pictures from the Kiva party she and Joe hosted, and I have to say I'm impressed by the amount of Kiva clothing that was pulled out of the closet for the event.
Tanaya and Sophia also sent pictures. Tanaya and a couple of other Kiva supporters hosted a successful happy hour in Manhattan. Sophia, who hosted a happy hour in Austin, only sent one picture, but tells me she and the other 30 or so attendees had a great time.
They say a picture tells a thousand words, so I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking.
Happy Birthday Kiva!
San Francisco Happy Hour, hosted by Kiva Staff, at The Royal Exchange
Washington DC Happy Hour, hosted by Sabrina and Joe, at Front Page
New York City Happy Hour, hosted by Tanaya, Aditi, and Purvi, at The Volstead
Austin Happy Hour, hosted by Sophia, at Six Lounge
