Bill Torrey spins his winning tale on the theme of magic.
Our 2nd annual Bill Skiff Story Slam, an open-mic storytelling event on the theme of “Magic,” was attended by about 120 community members and raised more than $3000 for home heating fuel assistance.
A dozen storytellers took the stage in the Williston Central School auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 8 to relate their personal tales, competing for bragging rights and prizes provided by Williston Hot Yoga and Chef’s Corner. Judging the competition were local magician Billy Jamez, Vermont author Bill Schubart and Williston Community Theatre founder Helen Weston.
Top prize went to Bill Torrey for his story about confronting a raging bull and the magic of learning how to face his fear and stand his ground. Tied for second place were Ellie Beckett, who spoke about the power of “trail magic” while hiking the Appalachian Trail, and Lucas Short, who humorously related a frightening youthful encounter with a UFO in Maine.
Club President Elizabeth Davidson emceed and shared a couple of stories of her own. The event also featured some close-up magic from Billy Jamez, music provided by Marty LeWinter and Elena Wells, and delicious sweet and savory treats homemade by club members and volunteers.
Matt Cota of the non-profit Split the Ticket Fund spoke of the longtime collaboration between the club and the charity, which arranges home heating fuel deliveries for neighbors in need throughout Vermont by combining charitable donation dollars with donations from local fuel dealers.
The event honors Bill Skiff, a consummate storyteller who was our club’s founder and first president. Bill passed away last year. Though his daughter Nan was unable to attend due to weather, Helen Weston, Bill's friend and neighbor, shared what Nan wrote about the magic that her dad brought into his community and into his family's lives. He is dearly missed, and continues to inspire us all.
We're grateful to all who attended and contributed to make our fun fundraiser a big success! Please enjoy our photo album.