You Were There
A Living Memory of My Youth
A ritual for remembering Angela Damiani’s first four decades of life.
I am turning 40.
Before the next chapter begins, I want to gather the people
who have carried the pages of the story so far.
This isn’t a birthday party.
It’s a farewell to the girl I’ve been and a celebration of the life we’ve lived together.
You’ll wander through memories made material:
the versions of me you knew, our laughter, our mistakes, our becoming.
Your presence matters because you were there — for a moment, a season, a decade.
You hold a piece of my story only you can name.
Come reflect on the time that has passed in my life — and in yours — since our paths first crossed.
Help me honor what was.
Help me welcome what’s next.
Help me remember.
The Details
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 11pm
The Main Moment: 7:30pm
Location: 130 W Bruce Street - 4th Floor Milwaukee, Wi 53204
Dress as the Era We Met
Which decade did our lives collide?
Come as your past self — or your favorite one.
Creative interpretations are welcome.
(No fashion police. Only time travelers.)
Wear Shoes that can Dance
There will be dancing.
Possibly (definitely) aggressively.
Choose shoes you won’t regret.
Offer a Memory
Have something to confess?
A moment to commemorate?
A regret you’d like to blame on me?
Send an audio or video message to be woven into the night’s archive.
Your recollection is a relic.
In Lieu of Gifts
Please consider a donation to the Midwest Founders Community,
supporting the next generation of dreamers.
Founders don’t appear out of nowhere — someone always opens the door.
As a serial entrepreneur, I want to pay that forward.
Know Before You Go
Additional Disclaimers for the Curious + Cautious
Mascara choices are your responsibility.
Emotional whiplash possible.
By attending, you agree that younger versions of us may appear unexpectedly on screens, displays & exhibits. No take-backs. We survived the early 2000s — we can survive anything.
Come as you were.
Come as you are.
Come help me say goodbye —
and dance this youthful self into the night.