Social Tinkering and Wingman of the Year Bring the Rutland Region a Speed Friending Fundraiser for Connection
Vermont Business Magazine Making friends as an adult can be tough and intimidating—but it doesn't have to be! Social Tinkering is proud to partner with Wingman of the Year to bring their new Speed Friending Fundraiser event to the Rutland Region. You're invited to be part of this exciting social experience for a great cause.
Join us on Sunday, October 26, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Vermont Farmer's Food Center – Farmer’s Hall, 251 West Street, Rutland, VT. This is not your typical social networking event! The Social Tinkering team carefully crafts their social gatherings to help people work through obstacles like social anxiety and fear so that you can relax and be yourself. Get ready to experience a one-of-a-kind community gathering designed to break down social barriers and help people make genuine connections.
What is Speed Friending?
Much like speed dating—but with zero pressure and 100% focus on building friendships—Speed Friending is a fast-paced, welcoming, and fun way to meet new people in your community. Attendees will rotate through a series of short, meaningful conversations guided by Max from Wingman of the Year, with plenty of time to mingle, relax, and enjoy brunch-y snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Curious to learn more? Check out the event’s promo video featuring Director Jeanette Langston chatting with Max and one of their VolunTinkers, Kris, here: https://youtu.be/SPr1Kf4Ibl0?si=P9HORrQkz5br73DF.
This inclusive, substance-free event is open to all adults aged 18 and up from every walk of life. Whether you're new to the area, looking to grow your social circle, or just want to support a great cause, you’ll find a friendly face and a warm welcome at Speed Friending.
All proceeds support Social Tinkering, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing and healing social isolation and loneliness through intentionally growing meaningful connection. Social Tinkering is dedicated to bringing you impactful fundraising events that raise funding for their mission while also helping to grow connection and a thriving community.
Tickets & Profiles:
Tickets are available online at https://SpeedFriendingRutland.eventbrite.com. After purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to create your personalized “friending” profile to use during the event. Prefer paper? No problem—paper options will be available onsite.
Food & Venue:
Enjoy a spread of local brunch treats, coffee, and tea throughout the event in the beautifully renovated Farmer’s Hall, generously sponsored by the Vermont Farmers Food Center.
Let’s grow the Connection Movement—together.
Join us for a heartwarming, laughter-filled Sunday and take the first step in making new friends and stronger community connections.
For more info, visit https://www.socialtinkering.org/speedfriending or follow Social Tinkering on social media @SocialTinkering.
About Social Tinkering
Social Tinkering is a Rutland-based nonprofit building spaces for meaningful human connection to reduce and heal social isolation. Through innovative programming, creative events, and collaborative community partnerships, Social Tinkering is growing the Connection Movement—one friendship at a time.
About Wingman of the Year
A very special THANKS to Wingman of the Year, who is a Vermont-based media brand focused on uplifting and connecting people through humor, heart, and human connection. Known for their energetic and inclusive events, Wingman brings a fresh take to modern socializing. Learn more here: https://www.wingmanoftheyear.com/speeddating
RUTLAND, VT – October 13, 2025 – Social Tinkering
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