Happy fourth, Laudergals squad.
Credit: Courtesy Shelly Teal
What began with a simple invitation to take a walk has grown into a Fort Lauderdale community like few others. On Friday, August 28, founder Shelly Teal will celebrate Laudergals’ fourth anniversary with Laudergala, the group’s largest event to date and its first open to guests of all genders
Teal launched the community after relocating to South Florida in 2022 while working remotely and searching for ways to meet people.
“I didn't know a single person when I moved here. I just came for the sunshine and hoped the rest would figure itself out,” Teal told Browardist.
She posted an invitation on social media asking whether anyone wanted to walk with her. Another local woman had shared a similar invitation, so the two joined forces. As registrations climbed from 20 to 40, then 80 and eventually 100, the casual outing became something bigger.
The inaugural gathering took place on August 25, 2022, drawing over 100 women with many sharing the same desire for friendship and connection. Although Teal had no long-term roadmap at the time, attendees quickly began asking when they could meet again.
“We didn't even go into the first event thinking we were going to do a second,” she said.
The organization originally operated as FTL Gals, a name selected quickly when the group needed an Instagram account. It became Laudergals during a rebrand last summer. Today, Teal hosts as many as two gatherings monthly, ranging from rooftop happy hours and craft nights to beach yoga, walks, workouts and even water aerobics. Some women have attended 20 or more events.
Laudergala will bring that growing network together at Palm Garden Event House, located at 1401 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, from 7 to 10 p.m. on August 28. Boldness is encouraged under the evening’s “dress to impress” code.
Guests can expect creative bites from Sunness Supper Club, Ember & Vine, Bolay, Batch Local Kitchen, Cane & Copper, Sweet Aloha and TIMBR. Munyon’s Paw-Paw will provide the signature Laudergal Spritz, while the evening will also include a DJ, live music, dancing, photo opportunities, giveaways and a cash bar. Tommy Bahama and Penelope T Boutique are among the sponsors.
Single Laudergal tickets cost $65, while admission for a Laudergal and one guest costs $100. Parking at Palm Garden is limited, so rideshare service is strongly encouraged.
“If you've never been to one, this is definitely the one to come to,” Teal said.
