On Wednesday, June 11th, Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) welcomed its volunteers to the Easton VFW for a luncheon in their honor.  Demonstrating TIS’s diverse support from the local community, attendees were new and long-standing, a wide range of ages, and hailing from numerous faith communities, businesses, and organizations.

As volunteers enjoyed their lunch, they were treated to a slideshow, which featured many of their cohorts and expressed the shelter’s overwhelming gratitude for those who give of their time to help its operations run smoothy.  After the meal, TIS’ Volunteer Coordinator Jesse Johnson kicked off the festivities by sharing a heartfelt thank you and presenting Certificates of Appreciation to three volunteers for their outstanding efforts.

The first honoree was Carl Johnson.  Carl joined “Team TIS” in December of 2024, and has already donated 80 hours of his time to the organization, making an incredible impact as a new member of the volunteer community.  Next, Johnson paid tribute to Bill Wilson, for his steadfast dedication and generosity.  Bill often steps in at the last minute when needed, and has made a true commitment to TIS and his neighbors who are working to overcome homelessness.  The third awardee was Peggy Feehley, a member of the Presbyterian Church of Easton, who has been volunteering with TIS since its inception.  Peggy has been lovingly preparing home cooked meals for shelter guests for 16 years.

After recognizing these special members of “Team TIS,” Johnson handed the stage over to Executive Director Julie Lowe.  Lowe provided an update on the shelter’s ongoing expansion efforts, and shared information about the impact that the volunteers make, not only in helping the organization’s operations, but in the way they make the guests feel, and how they inspire them to keep working hard to rebuild their lives.

The afternoon was capped off by a game of BINGO, the winner of which was to receive a hand-crafted cutting board, which was generously donated to Tuckahoe Hardwood.  The winner, Rita Mhley, chose to donate her prize back to the shelter.  To determine a new winner, Lowe led an impromptu game to find out who in attendance had been volunteering with TIS the longest.  At the end of the game, it was discovered that Ann Davis and Mary Beth Goll were the longest-serving volunteers, having been with the organization since the first night it opened its doors as a rotating cold-weather shelter in January of 2009.  After a quick round of trivia, Ann Davis was the victor and took home the beautiful cutting board.

Lowe ended the event with another rousing thank you, and the volunteers each took home a sweet reminder of the importance they hold for TIS – a package of forget-me-not seeds with the message, “Thank you for helping us grow.”

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 (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) 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 18 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 Julie Lowe at [email protected].

In 2017, Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) was hoping to create a fundraising event that would bring the community together and help them stand out among all of the worthy local nonprofit organizations.  That year, TIS hosted its first Lip Sync Battle fundraiser, and all involved were over the moon when this out-of-the-box idea raised $10,000.

Now a local phenomenon involving neighbors from all corners of the Mid-Shore, the 9th Annual Lip Sync Battle was held on Saturday, April 26th at the Waterfowl Building in Easton.  By the time the last note rang out, TIS and the Lip Sync participants had raised more than $125,000 to support the organization’s mission of fighting homelessness by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need.

“We are beyond overjoyed,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “Last year’s event raised more than $112,000, and we decided to raise the bar a bit higher this year, but it was certainly a bit of a gamble.  That our community not only helped us reach this goal, but actually surpass it, has filled our hearts to the brim!  Many of our guests were also in the audience for the event, from baby to senior citizen, and they had the opportunity to see hundreds of people come together on their behalf, share joy, and cheer them on.  Witnessing all the love in that room has a profound effect on them and gives them energy and inspiration to keep going and work hard in our program.”

More than 100 neighbors participated in Lip Sync 2025, performing on stage or recording lip sync videos and raising money to support the guests at TIS’ two shelter homes (Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single adults) and 17 transitional apartments.

6 teams competed live on stage, all of whom have joined in previously – a testament to their ongoing commitment to TIS and its mission.  The audience sang along, danced, and cheered for The AKAs (the Kappa Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), Black Wizard, The Cash Queens (from Shore United Bank), The Country School Faculty, The Happy Hour Honies, and students from the Saints Peter and Paul School.

There were also 10 competitors who bowled over the audience with their creative Video Submissions.  Many veterans returned to the competition, including Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, Easton Family Dental, The Factory, Father Nash from Saints Peter and Paul, the Latin Honors “SLAYciety” from Easton High School, and Team TIS, comprised of staff and board members from Talbot Interfaith Shelter.  They were joined by several newcomers: BAAM (Building African American Minds, who competed live in 2019, but submitted their first video this year), The Mighty Ducks from the Waterfowl Festival, The Morning DJs from WCEI Radio and WINX FM, and Rhythm and Blueprints from Rauch, Inc.

The teams competed for two awards in each category.  The Best Fundraiser awards went to Black Wizard in the Live Category and Team TIS in the Video Category.  TIS also welcomed judges Childlene Brooks, Director of the Brookletts Place Senior Center, Ben Brunner, host of All Things Considered on WHCP Radio, and Lonnelle Green, owner of Cardinal Construction, who determined the winners of the Best Performance awards in each category.  Black Wizard earned the Best Live Performance award for their uncanny impression of KISS, and the Best Video Performance trophy was awarded to Father Nash, who broke out his disco shoes and wig and recruited the whole Saints Peter and Paul community to boogie down for TIS.

Lip Sync Battle was made possible by an astounding 48 sponsor businesses, organizations, and individuals who donated talent and treasure to create a magical evening for all who attended.  TIS would like to express its deepest gratitude to Presenting Sponsor, Sun Management Rising Technologies, whose owner Jim Vanderzon delivered an inspiring speech during the event, spurring the audience on to reach the fundraising goal.  In addition, the organization would like to give special acknowledgement to Rock Star Sponsors On Your Mark Lighting and Design for their incredible transformation of the Waterfowl Building space.  The event was produced by Katie Parks Events and Jayme Dingler of What’s Good, LLC.  Learn more about Lip Sync Battle 2025, meet the teams, see a full list of sponsors, and watch a live recording of the event at talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lsb

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter, its mission, and how you can help neighbors overcome homelessness, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact TIS Director of Development and Marketing, Laura Richeson, at [email protected]

Get ready to rock and roll as Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s (TIS) Lip Sync Battle fundraiser returns to the Waterfowl Building in Easton on Saturday, April 26th.   It promises to be another epic event to raise funds in support of TIS’ mission to fight homelessness on the Mid-Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need.

This is the 9th year for the organization’s signature event.  What started out as a way for TIS to stand out in a sea of local fundraisers has turned into something much more.

“There are so many amazing events for so many worthy causes in our community,” shares TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “When we first started the Lip Sync Battle, our goal was simply to put on an event that would capture people’s attention.  But over the course of 9 years, it has meant so much more for our organization than we ever could have imagined.  So many people from all areas of our community participate in Lip Sync every year, whether they are competing, volunteering, donating, or attending the live show.  It has been the catalyst for building an incredibly strong community around our mission and around the neighbors we serve.”

In fact, Lip Sync Battle has grown so much that last year’s event raised more than $112,000 for Talbot Interfaith Shelter.  This prompted TIS to set the ambitious goal of $125,000 for this year’s event, which is being presented by Sun Management Rising Technologies.

Fans do not have to wait until April 26th to get their Lip Sync fix.  The competition is already underway, and teams from across our community are currently vying for your votes to win one of two competitions.  The Live Show Competition teams will be performing on stage at the main event at the Waterfowl Building, and the Video Competition teams have created musical masterpieces that will be shown online and during the live show.

Teams can win in their respective competitions in one of two ways.  Each team is duking it out to see who can raise the most in support of Talbot Interfaith Shelter.  Community members can vote by donating directly to their team, or selecting their team when purchasing event tickets or signing up for an event sponsorship.    In addition, a panel of impartial judges will decide the winners of the Best Performance award in each category.

Visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org.lsb to meet the teams, purchase tickets, and vote for your favorites.  For questions about the Lip Sync Battle, or to learn more about sponsorships, contact TIS Director of Development and Marketing Laura Richeson at [email protected] or 443-786-6962.

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Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton and serving neighbors from the five counties of Maryland’s Mid-Shore (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot).  TIS’ S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) is a comprehensive program designed to guide local families and single individuals step-by-step from homelessness to lasting self-sufficiency.  S4 incorporates shelter, rigorous case management, connection with local services, life skills training, and transitional housing to ensure that guests have the time, resources, and skills to get back on their feet and stay there.  

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to get involved, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316.

In a powerful demonstration of corporate responsibility and commitment to local communities, Truist Bank has awarded a generous $20,000 grant to Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS). This significant contribution will directly support TIS’s mission to provide critical services and shelter to families and individuals experiencing homelessness on Maryland’s Mid Shore.

At Truist, community engagement is not only a core value but a driving force behind the bank’s operations. As part of their ongoing philanthropic efforts, Truist remains committed to building stronger, more resilient communities by supporting local organizations that create lasting, positive change.

The grant to Talbot Interfaith Shelter underscores Truist’s dedication to making an impact. TIS offers essential services, including shelter, transitional housing, and comprehensive case management, all designed to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability. This new funding will enhance TIS’s ability to meet the growing needs of the community, providing critical resources to more individuals in crisis.

As part of the grant celebration, Easton Truist Bank Branch Manager Devon Hainey recently visited both of TIS’s shelter homes. During the visit, Hainey met with TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe and TIS Director of Development and Marketing Laura Richeson to discuss the profound impact Truist’s contribution will have on the organization’s ability to serve those in need.

“This partnership goes beyond financial support,” said Lowe. “It represents a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals in our community. We are deeply grateful for Truist’s continued support and dedication to helping us expand our services.”

Looking forward, this grant marks the continuation of a meaningful partnership between Truist Bank and Talbot Interfaith Shelter. Truist’s support will enable TIS to extend its reach, providing critical shelter and resources to even more people in need.

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About Truist Bank:
Truist Bank is committed to making meaningful contributions to the communities it serves. By investing in local organizations, Truist aims to foster stronger, more vibrant communities where individuals and families can thrive. To learn more about Truist’s philanthropic efforts, visit their website or follow them on social media.

About Talbot Interfaith Shelter:
Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, transitional housing, and comprehensive support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness on Maryland’s Mid Shore. Through its S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), TIS helps individuals achieve self-sufficiency and long-term housing stability. For more information, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org.

Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) is delighted to announce the success of the highly anticipated 8th Annual Lip Sync Battle fundraiser on April 27th at the Waterfowl Building in Easton. After incredible success last year, raising nearly $83,000, TIS surpassed this year’s $100,000 fundraising goal to the tune of $112,000 by the end of the live show! Attendees enjoyed an evening of music, laughter, and joy as the community gathered to support TIS’ mission of providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need.

 This year’s vibrant showcase of talent and generosity was kicked off with a heartfelt thank you from TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe, and hosted by crowd favorites Jayme D, Jay Hudson, and Ricky Vitanovec. The distinguished panel of judges included Talbot County Councilperson and CEO of Foundation of HOPE, Keasha Haythe, Mayor Megan Cook, and John Horner, President & COO of Easton Utilities. Participants from across the community took the stage to deliver captivating live team lip sync performances, intercut with clips from the Online Video Competition teams, all in the spirit of raising crucial funds for TIS. 

Nineteen teams competed for the top fundraiser titles and the coveted Lip Sync Battle trophies, while many familiar faces returned to the stage alongside fresh talent, with notable newcomers including Playa Bowls, Rise Up Coffee and Capriotti’s. All eight live show teams rocked the stage during the initial Freestyle round followed by the unpredictable and hilarious Roulette round, with the following teams taking home trophies at the end of the evening: Best Fundraiser (Live Show): The Country School Faculty, Best Fundraiser (Online Video): Team TIS, Best Live Show Performance (TIE): Black Wizard, The Country School Faculty and Best Online Video Performance: The Factory. For those who missed out on the live event, the entire show was recorded and can be streamed online for free at: talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lsb

We are still glowing from the beautiful and uplifting experience of Lip Sync Battle 2024!” says Julie Lowe, Executive Director of TIS. “With your help, we exceeded our goal of $100,000 by a full $12,000! We are so grateful and bolstered by your support. It’s more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community spirit and resilience. Seeing individuals of all backgrounds come together for a common cause is truly inspiring.”

Thank you to all who supported the 2024 TIS Lip Sync Battle with your time, votes, and by spreading the word! Your contributions have provided shelter, support, and hope to those in need, transforming lives and creating brighter futures. As we celebrate the success of the Lip Sync Battle, we also celebrate the impact it will have in the lives of countless individuals and families facing homelessness. Together, we’re not just hosting an event; we’re building a community where everyone has a place to call home.

The 2024 Lip Sync Battle was made possible by the generous support of Platinum Record Sponsor Sun Management Rising Technologies and a host of dedicated local sponsors., visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org/lsb.

 

Talbot Interfaith Shelter is a homeless shelter and transitional housing program based in Easton, MD and serving the five counties of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Annes).  They have developed the innovative and comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success), which is designed to guide local families and individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency. 

 

Guests begin at one of TIS’ two neighboring shelter homes – Easton’s Promise for families and Evelyn’s Place for single individuals – where they receive case management and attend life skills training while they work to attain financial stability.  Once they are ready, guests move into one of TIS’ 15 off-site transitional apartments, where they continue to receive case management while their portion of rent gradually increases until they can sustain all of their expenses.

 

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit https://talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at 410-310-2316 or [email protected].

On October 21st, the skies were blue and the sun was shining as community members gathered to participate in Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s (TIS) inaugural Shelter Showdown and Hoedown fundraiser, presented by Sun Management Rising Technologies.  By the end of the day, TIS had raised nearly $17,000 to provide Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success to local families and individuals in need.  The theme of the event was “Helping Our Neighbors Overcome the Obstacle of Homelessness.”

The event kicked off with the Showdown at Tardigrade Obstacle Course and Fitness Facility, where athletes as young as single digits and up into their 50s showed that they were TIS Tough by tackling extreme challenges like the Rope Climb, the Ice Bath, the Fire Jump, and many more.  Families got in on the action during the Family Fun Waves, which were followed by Competition Waves.

After the Showdown, participants and other community members gathered at Triple Creek Winery for the Hoedown celebration.  Delicious food was provided by Capriotti’s, Four Sisters Kabob and Curry, EZ Access Eats, and Hoots Shaved Ice.  A group of local elementary school students who call themselves The Pizza Club also hosted a bake sale at the event.

Guests enjoyed fantastic live music by Justin Ryan and Josh Delaney.  The “little kids” had a blast playing on the giant inflatable play course and trying out the inflatable axe throwing, baseball, and football challenges.  Real axe throwing and archery games were right on target for the “big kids.”  Attendees also had the opportunity to walk through “The Obstacle Course of Homelessness” and learn about the challenges that Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s guests face, and how TIS helps them overcome these hurdles to achieve self-sufficiency at the finish line.

At the end of the day, Tardigrade owners and coaches Jess and Matt Lister took to the stage to announce the winners of the Showdown’s Competitive Waves.  The Talbot County Sheriff’s Department took the top prize in the team competition, while 15-year-old Zach Lister earned First Place in the Overall Competition.  In Second and Third Place were 13-year-old Alex Lister and 14-year-old Quentin Doyle, respectively.  The age group winners were announced as David Schenker in the 10 to 11-year category, Theodore Bramble in the 12 to 14-year category, DJ Johnson in the 30 to 39-year category, and Maurice Newnam in the 50 to 59-year category.

“We are thrilled with the response to this event,” shares TIS Development and Marketing Director, Laura Richeson.  “Not only from the participants, but from our wonderful sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.  We are always humbled by the way ‘Team TIS’ steps forward to help our neighbors in need.  It was exciting to see folks putting themselves to the test or joining the celebration to support our guests.  The guests are very aware of how invested the community is in their success, and that support bolsters them as they work through the arduous process of reclaiming their independence.  We, and they, are so very grateful to everyone involved.”

The inaugural Shelter Showdown & Hoedown was made possible by a group of generous sponsors.  Talbot Interfaith Shelter extends their sincere thanks to Presenting/Bench Press Sponsor Sun Management Rising Technologies, Ninja Warrior Sponsors Soistman Family Dentistry and Bullock Construction Inc., Trifecta Sponsors Rise Up Coffee, Dr. Computer, and Willow Construction, and Rope Warrior Sponsors Wye Financial, Preston Auto, Mr. and Mrs. John Trax, and Mr. and Mrs. John Itell.  TIS would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Steve Burleson for their special donation of children’s crafts.

All proceeds from the event benefit Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s mission to end homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-Shore.  Their comprehensive S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) is designed to guide local families and individuals step-by-step from homelessness to self-sufficiency.  TIS provides shelter, rigorous case management, connection with necessary service providers, life skills training, and more.  When guests have reached certain financial milestones, they are invited to move into one of TIS’ off-site transitional apartments, where they are given the time to make a gradual and manageable transition back into financial autonomy before moving out into their own housing.

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how YOU can help, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact [email protected].