What's Your Story Jamaica? 2025

Hi - My name is Debra Ehrhardt, and I'm very excited to tell you that we are getting ready to produce our 4th annual storytelling competition, What's Your Story Jamaica, in association with one of Jamaica's finest beach resorts; world renowned Half Moon Hotel, on Sat, Feb 8th, 2025 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. What's Your Story Jamaica is the only annual TRUE storytelling competition in Jamaica with over a million Jamaican dollars in cash prizes for the semi-finalists and finalists - with the top three taking home the most.

It's such an amazing feeling watching the storytellers get up on stage to share their stories and seeing the audiences react so positively. I mean when you hear someone share an amazing story about themselves, it can really move you. We can learn, laugh and really connect and understand each other in a deeper way through our stories. And we've heard some pretty incredible stories in our last three competitions, so I can hardly wait for this next one.

We have a rich history of storytelling in Jamaica, so we Jamaicans are natural born storytellers. I myself am an award-winning storyteller and have had the good fortune to share my own true stories all over the world. Most of my best stories were cultivated in a Mango Tree in Kingston so, I'm proud to come back to the island that inspired my stories and plays to celebrate talent and give a platform to some fantastic artists who've never had exposure.

The What's Your Story Jamaica competition is completely free for the contestants, but we need your help to raise $7000 to help cover all the prize money, marketing as well as the filming and editing costs of the production so it can be recorded and shared. I will personally be in Jamaica at the end of this year to start working with our talented storytellers, ensuring that their voices are heard and celebrated.

I'm also delighted to share with you that some of our past storytellers

are creating their own storytelling competitions around the island and our fundraising brunch in Los Angeles this year, hosted by Manuela and James Goren helped to support their first efforts.

Everyone who contributes will be invited to attend the live event on Saturday, Feb 8th at 5pm in Montego Bay at Half Moon Village and if you can't be there, we will share a link to watch the show in the comfort of your home.

I believe true happiness in life comes from giving back. Your support, whether big or small, will make a significant impact on our ability to create an unforgettable experience for our storytellers and audience. By contributing to this campaign, you are not just supporting an event – you are championing the power of storytelling and fostering a sense of community and connection.

Please take a look at the link below from our storytellers and feel free to get in touch with me if you have any other questions or comments and many thanks in advance for your support.

And remember, you don't need to leave any tip here on gofundme - they collect from me, and they try to collect from you as well.

Blessings,

Debra Ehrhardt

https://youtu.be/D_C4xXaPb4c