TIS Lip Sync Battle Rocked into the Record Books

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]