It’s the most joyous time of the year – Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s (TIS) annual Lip Sync Battle is officially underway! All the fun culminates in an epic live Lip Sync Battle extravaganza on Saturday, April 18th at 7 pm at the Talbot County Community Center in Easton.
The Lip Sync Battle, now in its tenth year, began as a way to build community awareness for Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s mission of fighting homelessness on the Mid-Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for families and individuals in need. As the shelter has grown, Lip Sync has grown right along with it, turning into a community phenomenon, having raised more than $500,000 to date to help local neighbors get back on their feet. This year’s fundraising goal is the most ambitious yet – $150,000, which is just shy of 10% of TIS’ annual operating budget.
This year, 7 Live Competition teams and 15 Video Competition teams are vying to be this year’s champions. There are two winners in each category – the team that raises the most in support of TIS’ mission, and the best performance/video as decided by a panel of local celebrity judges.
Lip Sync Battle is a true community effort, with teams joining from across every corner of the Mid-Shore, including local schools, businesses and organizations, service agencies, and even groups of friends and family. Some teams participate every year, and some are joining for the first time.
One of TIS’ Lip Sync Legends, The AKAs (representing the Kappa Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), have competed since year one, and even won the very first People’s Choice Award. These wonderful women have lip synced their way into the community’s hearts for 9 out of the event’s 10 years.
Charlene DeShields, a member of both The AKAs and the TIS Board of Directors, shares what inspires her and her sorority sisters to participate year in and year out. “As a board member of TIS and a member of the AKA Lip Sync Team, it has given me pleasure to participate in the Lip Sync Battle for nine years. Through that time, I know I’ve helped homelessness in Talbot County and the surrounding counties TIS serves. It has made a difference for others. One of our missions in our AKA sorority is ‘Service To All Mankind.’ It is so rewarding to help raise money to provide for families in need – it shows ‘Gratitude and Grace.’”
Another team of Lip Sync Legends is the Happy Hour Honies (HHH), an incredible group of friends who support community projects together. Kimberly Engh, a HHH member, explains that they return each year “because Talbot Interfaith Shelter truly changes lives. It’s close to our hearts and reminds us how powerful community can be. The Happy Hour Honies reconnect, laugh, and give back together—while being inspired by amazing teams.”
Ten new teams have joined the battle this year, including the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Joe Gamble says, “The deputies at the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office are excited to join the Lip Sync Battle. We are proud to help raise funds and awareness for Talbot Interfaith Shelter, supporting neighbors who need a safe place and a fresh start.”
Easton Utilities has also thrown its hat into the ring for this year’s competition. President and CEO John Horner tells us that they chose to join Lip Sync because “at Easton Utilities, we believe strong communities are built when neighbors support one another. Partnering with Talbot Interfaith Shelter for their Lip Sync Battle fundraiser reflects our commitment to helping ensure that everyone in our community has access to safety, stability, and hope. The work being done by Talbot Interfaith Shelter changes lives every day, and we’re proud to stand alongside them and others across Talbot County to support families and individuals on their path toward permanent housing and a brighter future.”
Voting for both the Live Show and Video Competitions remains open until the very end of the live Lip Sync Battle event on April 18th. Head to talbotinterfaithshelter.org to meet all the teams, watch this year’s incredible videos – even the Live Show teams have created entertaining teaser videos – and vote! One dollar equals one vote, and community members can support their favorite teams by making a donation, ordering cool TIS “merch,” or purchasing tickets to the live event. Tickets are going fast, so don’t wait to save your spot for the most fun night of the year!
Event sponsors can also use their sponsorship dollars to vote for the team of their choice. Lip Sync Battle offers incredible advertising benefits and exposure for local businesses and has sponsorship opportunities for every budget.
For more information about the Lip Sync Battle or sponsorships, contact TIS’ Director of Development and Marketing, Laura Richeson, at lauraricheson@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.
About Talbot Interfaith Shelter
Talbot Interfaith Shelter is dedicated to fighting homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need. TIS’ innovative and comprehensive S4 Program is designed to guide guests step-by-step from homelessness to self-sufficiency. This is done by providing safe shelter, rigorous case management, connection with service providers, and life skills training. TIS also has 22 off-site transitional apartments, where those guests who need more time to reach full independence can continue to receive case management and attend life skills classes while incrementally working towards achieving Success.
Learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how you can help at talbotinterfaithshelter.org or by contacting Executive Director Julie Lowe at julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.
