Tonight Dungeons & Toast will dive into the twisted world of dark fairy tales with a meeting themed “Grimmer than Grimm.” These aren’t your usual happy-ever-afters but instead scenes out of the creepy, sometimes murderous Grimm stories to keep you looking over your shoulder (or behind your green screen).

Imagine a rocky shore where the Little Mermaid lures sailors to their watery death with her haunting song. Or step into a creepy little house that’s been ransacked, with clues left by a wayward Goldilocks who’s more menace than innocent intruder. In these stories, you might wonder who was hunting who.

The eerie time of witches, ghouls, demons, faeries, spiders, and clowns is among us. But that time is quickly coming to a close, and much scarier things await thereafter: facial hair. Once more, Dungeons & Toast challenges YOU to put down your razor (or pick up your knitting needles) and cultivate upon your face a majestic beard. As per tradition, we will raise funds for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, to support research into a disease that affects one of our beloved charter members.

I am delighted to share that this contest is open to all guild members, regardless of gender or follicular aptitude. If you wish to compete, you will have the option to sign up for one of the following categories:

• Established Beard (grown prior to 11/1)
• Fresh-Faced (started growing on 11/1)
• Artificial (painted, wig…)

Regardless of whether you choose to be a contender, all persons are able to donate a pledge, which will be multiplied by the number of contestants, to determine the total donation by individual pledging. For reference, we had seven participants last year, and we are hoping for more this year. If you were to pledge $3 and we have ten participants, your final donation would be $30.

The voting will take place at the first meeting of December (12/6), which will be Viking-themed, and the total amount donated will be announced at the second meeting of December (12/13).

Please sign up on our Dungeons & Toast Meeting and, if you’re able, please make a pledge: https://dungeonsandtoast.com/no-shave/

Our guild received formal recognition by Toastmasters International for having achieved President’s Distinguished for the 2023-204 year. This award recognizes clubs with outstanding quality with regard to educational advancement, membership growth, and officer commitment. Congratulations to all members, who were integral in helping us to — once again — achieve this significant milestone!

Below is a copy of the recognition letter from International President Morag Mathieson and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex (click to expand):

Congratulations everyone! I know our guild will continue to perform with excellence in the year to come!