The 2023 Shelter Showdown Winners (names specified in the article), along with Tardigrade Obstacle Course and Fitness Facility Owners, Jess and Matt Lister
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].
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