12/24/2024
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays to you and yours!
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on this incredible year, filled with a deep sense of gratitude, and maybe just a little bit of joyful disbelief at how far we've come.
You see, Rummy Club wasn't born from some grand plan. It started on a whim last year, fueled by a deep personal need for connection after my partner, Lauren and I moved to Long Beach back in 2021. Two years after moving we still found ourselves feeling isolated.
We deeply craved a sense of community, that feeling of belonging we'd found at a weekly board game night we attended when we lived in Los Angeles before the lock-down of the pandemic. The friendships we forged there persist to this day, but our move to Long Beach created a distance that made seeing those friends less frequent.
I sought to use my new-found love for rummy games to create a version of that kind of game-play event but focused only on rummy games. That's how Rummy Club came to be – a simple idea, born out of a desire to meet people and share my love for rummy.
I didn't have grand goals and figured if even one person showed up to our first event, I'd consider it a success. To my astonishment, we had somewhere around 10 to 15 people at that first event.
Those early events were a revelation. It became clear that so many others shared that same yearning for connection, and it seemed like rummy was the perfect catalyst. It all just worked, and it resonated deeply.
What began on a whim has blossomed into something far more beautiful and meaningful than I ever dared to dream. Rummy Club has become woven into the fabric of my life, and my heart swells with thanks for each and every one of you who has helped shape it into the vibrant community it is today.
The true magic of this journey isn't just in the games we play, but in the bonds we forge. Watching strangers become friends, hearing the joyful buzz of laughter around our tables, and feeling the warmth of belonging that grows stronger with every event – these are the moments that truly resonate with me.
This year hasn't been without its share of trials and tribulations, a true roller-coaster of emotions. In January, I, like many others in the tech industry, found myself unexpectedly without a job. It was a period of real uncertainty, a time that tested my resilience. The emotional weight of that change was heavy, but it was during this very period that the Rummy Club community became my anchor. Your support, your laughter, and your unwavering belief in me were the buoy that kept me afloat. And though it was undoubtedly a low point, it ultimately gave me the courage to dive headfirst into building a company dedicated to nurturing and growing Rummy Club.
Then, in February, the Signal Tribune shined a spotlight on the Rummy Club, a moment of recognition that filled us with pride.
March saw the official birth of RummyWorks LLC, a milestone that sets the stage for the adventure to come.
September brought a personal milestone that filled my heart with joy: Lauren and I were married. But the months leading up to our wedding were, if I'm honest, some of the most stressful and challenging times we've weathered together. We were juggling so much, determined to bring our wedding vision to life while ensuring we never missed a single month of hosting Rummy Club. Looking back, we’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished, and so very grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all of you during that whirlwind of a time.
This year has also brought to light a growing need for genuine human connection, something I feel deeply passionate about. A recent New York Times article highlighted how Gen Z and Millennials are seeking this very thing through in-person gaming groups like ours, mentioning games like Mahjong and Rummikub. Although Rummy Club wasn't specifically mentioned, I feel an undeniable kinship with this movement. The truth is, it's not just younger generations who crave real-world connections – it's a fundamental human need. And that's precisely what we're cultivating here: a haven where people of all ages can gather, connect, play, and forge lasting friendships.
Now, as I look ahead, my heart is brimming with excitement and a sense of hopeful anticipation. The journey of building RummyWorks and expanding Rummy Club is only just beginning, and we're on track to launch our website in the coming months. My vision for RummyWorks is simple, yet deeply meaningful: I want to see Rummy Club flourish into a network of thriving communities, spreading across Southern California and beyond. In 2025, we'll be focusing our energy on expanding our reach – partnering with more venues and sponsors, showing up at more pop-up markets, and making sure everyone in Long Beach and the surrounding areas knows about the joy and connection that Rummy Club offers. We're aiming to bring more people together, play more games, and create a multitude of opportunities for connection and fun.
To everyone who has touched this journey – whether you've joined us for a game, offered your support, or simply shared a kind word – please know that your presence has made all the difference. Your enthusiasm, your love, and your kindness are the very heart of this community, and I'm eternally grateful for you.
As we step into 2025, I'm filled with anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. There's much work to be done, but I'm excited to see it all unfold, hand in hand with all of you. Here's to another year of games, laughter, friendship, and growth. I'm so incredibly glad to have you along for the ride.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and an incredible new year filled with warmth and connection.
With heartfelt warmth,
Drew Adams
Founder & CEO, RummyWorks
