There was a need for a new type of news organization in Pittsburgh, one committed to building a relationship with its audience and sponsors, The Incline’s Founder and CEO Jim Brady said.

And so The Incline launched two years ago.

On Thursday night, nearly 200 people gathered to celebrate the local news site’s anniversary at The Incline’s 2nd Annual Birthday Bash, presented by and hosted at LUXE Creative in Point Breeze North, a space that combines art, design and technology.

“Having people in this room who are committed to understanding the issues that Pittsburgh faces today and how to solve those problems tomorrow is what makes our work meaningful,” Editor Lexi Belculfine said, thanking members committed to sustaining local journalism in Pittsburgh.

Bash guests included Kevin Acklin, chief legal officer at Peoples Natural Gas; Emmai Alaquiva, Ya Momz House, Inc. CEO and cofounder of Hip-Hop On LOCK; Ed Bailey of Drinking Partners, Duquesne Mayor Nickole Nesby, and artist Jeremy M. Raymer.

Newsmakers Lechele Barnett, the artist behind viral Hennessy nail art, and Shua Potter of Acting Officiant were also in attendance.

Many of the more than 360 Who’s Next honorees recognized by The Incline since 2016 came out to support The Incline, including Black Tech Nation founder Kelauni Cook, Jewel Edwards of TBSP bakery incubator, Jamie Hamilton, a plus-size style aficionado and body-positive content creator, publicist and freelance videographer Willy James, and Katie O’Malley, a city digital and social media communications coordinator.

Being The Incline’s Who’s Next presenting sponsor has been a natural extension of S&T Bank’s commitment to giving back to the community, said Kelly Thomas, vice president.

“Yes, we give back as a company and foster a corporate culture of involvement, but we also look for other ways to encourage and celebrate other members of the community,” she said.

Partygoers enjoyed a dine-around featuring Pittsburgh’s hottest restaurants, including Fl.2, Soju, Casbah, and Talia, as well as custom cocktails from Wigle Whiskey, Blume Honey Water, and Market St. Grocery, while listening to DJ Samuel Andres.

And, of course, to top off the night, there was dessert from Insomnia Cookies and draft lattes from La Colombe.

“Tonight would not be possible without our loyal readers and audience and also our partners,” The Incline’s Sales and Events Manager Lindsey Van der Veer said.

Here’s a photo recap of the night, with more images on our Facebook page.

Be sure to tag your friends there, and tag us (@theinclinepgh or #theinclinepgh) in your own shots.

The food

The friends

The fun