15 Years of Story Story Night : simplebooklet.com

2Founded in 2010 by Jessica Holmes,Hollis Welsh, Clay Morgan, and PaulSchaffer, Story Story Night began as acultural phenomenon, giving localIdahoans a platform to share realstories about their lives as featuredstorytellers. It was inspired by TheMoth, a New York City event series thatfeatures stories by curated storytellersand spontaneous audience members.In its early days, attendees of all kindssqueezed into sold-out shows in venuesacross the Treasure Valley to witnesslive, featured storytellers. While manyentered the event as an audiencemember, some stepped forward toshare a piece of their life as a “storyslammer,” leaving everyone moved and transformed by the undeniable powerof storytelling.Over the last fifteen years of publicprogramming, Story Story Night has notonly upheld its dedication to the radicalart of storytelling but has also become adefining cultural experience in Boise.The devotion of the board andvolunteers shines through in their long-standing involvement, including some supporting the transformative power ofStory Story Night for over a decade.Story Story Night is hosted in uniquelocations across the Treasure Valley,each chosen for its historical charm orcultural significance. Events are oftenpresented in partnership withcommunity organizations and areinterspersed throughout the year aspart of a dynamic and evolvingstorytelling season.ORIGIN STORY2013 event, BAGGAGE: Stories of the Things We Carry atthe Rose Room (left). 2015 event, NiNE to FiVE: Stories ofWhat a Way to Make a Living at the Shriners (right).Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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EXPANDING REACH AND INCLUSIVITYTHROUGH STORYTELLING3,000audience members in 2023/202417,500monthly digitalimpressions63%return ticketpurchasers in2023/2024In the most recent years, Story Story Nighthas welcomed over 3,000 audiencemembers annually, with 37% of attendeesat each show being new to the experience.This ability to consistently engage newfaces, while also seeing a 63% return inattendees, speaks to the organization’seffectiveness in building a dedicated andevolving community experience.Story Story Night’s digital presence isequally impressive for its size: with 17,500monthly digital impressions through socialmedia, newsletters and podcast episodessharing the stories told on stage to a largeraudience all over the world, Story StoryNight’s reach has broad appeal anddiversified engagement within everyseason and event.Through a dedicated focus on accessibilityand inclusivity, Story Story Night offers a"pay what you can" ticketing option, whichensures that financial barriers don’t standin the way of anyone seeking to participatein the magic of live storytelling. Byembracing inclusivity and lowering entrybarriers, Story Story Night continues tofoster a welcoming environment for allwho wish to be part of the experience.2023/24 Impact | Story Story Night5

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BEHIND THE SCENES:A UNIQUE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS92%underrepresentedgroup boardmembers22activevolunteersEngagedand dedicated boardStory Story Night is powered by a uniquecollaborative model, thriving with theenergy and dedication of its community. With 92% of board members representingwomen and underrepresented groups and22 active volunteers, the organization’soperations reflect its commitment toinclusivity. Remarkably, Story Story Night operateswith zero full-time staff, instead relying onan engaged board and volunteer networkfor event operations as well as long termcontractors who provide essential serviceslike hosting, sound production, andcreative direction.Volunteers—many of whom have beencontributing for over a decade—serve asthe backbone of Story Story Night.Whether they’re working ticket booths,supporting slammer tables, or strategizingon the board, their dedication brings eachevent to life. This collaborative spirit is a reflection ofhow deeply the community values StoryStory Night and the cultural experiencesprovided.62023/24 Impact | Story Story Night

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FOSTERING LOCALECONOMIC RESILIENCE$68K+paid to local venues& contractors70%of expenses are spent locally25official partners inthe 2023/24 seasonAt Story Story Night, supporting localbusinesses is an integral part of theirvalues. In the 2023/24 season, over$68,000 was paid to local venues andcontractors, while a significant 70% of theorganization’s total expenses were spentlocally. This deliberate prioritizationstrengthens community, ensuring that thelocal creative ecosystem continues toflourish.During the 2023/24 season, collaborationwith 25 official partners was crucial to thesuccess of the organization’s mission.These partners—ranging from venueproviders to event sponsors—supportStory Story Night by offering accessiblepricing, donating portions of theirproceeds, and elevating the visibility ofevents. These partnerships form a dynamicnetwork that not only keeps events runningsmoothly but also strengthens ties acrosslocal businesses, contributing to thecommunity’s creative expression andcultural enrichment.2023/24 Impact | Story Story Night7

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A VISUAL STORY OFSHOWS OVER THE YEARSLATE-NIGHTFLAGSHIPSLAMMER OF THE YEARSTARRY STORY NIGHTStory Story Night has four series ofsignature shows. Spanning from familyfriendly and fun, a late night 21+ eventwith rated R themes, as well asstoryteller competitions and elegantfundraisers. Regardless of the show orseries, each theme features raw, truestories from everyday people in thecommunity. 8Throughout the Years | Story Story NightThe OG event series that lightsup the community. Curatedreal-life stories intermixed witha spontaneous audiencestoryslam.Story Story Late-Night, is thepositively shameless blacksheep of the family where youhear bleep worthy stories on ourunblushing themes.We connect individual storiestogether in the way we drawlines between the stars to formconstellations. Our only scriptedevent.Our only competition show ofthe year featuring standoutstory picks from the previousseason.

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Storytelling goes far beyond entertainment—it is a powerful tool for education,empathy, and community building. This report communicates the broader influence ofStory Story Night in recent years and throughout it’s history, not only for theorganization but also for the community and stakeholders who support its mission. Ithighlights how each story told raises awareness. By providing a platform for diversevoices, Story Story Night bridges devides, making our cities more welcoming,compassionate, and sustainable.Story Story Night also contributes to global goals, specifically the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4),Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), StoryStory Night demonstrates how to foster cultural awareness, promote social inclusion,and improve community life. Story Story Night is a key player in building a moreequitable, inclusive, and culturally rich society to drive meaningful change and helpshape a better future for all. STORYTELLING FOR A BETTER FUTURE: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND DRIVINGGLOBAL IMPACT9Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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SDG 4: Quality EducationStory Story Night contributes to QualityEducation by fostering awareness of others’perspectives. Through storytelling, people fromall walks of life share their experiences rangingfrom rafting on Idaho rivers, overcoming desiresand impulses, life as a refugee, preparing forbirth and everything in between. By promotingunderstanding and curiosity, this platform is apowerful lifelong educational resource foranyone willing to listen or share by getting toknow the celebrations and plights of others.SDG 10: Reduced InequalityBy giving a voice to everyday people, includingmarginalized and vulnerable groups, Story StoryNight directly supports Reduced Inequality. Theorganization’s storytelling events highlightpersonal narratives that often address complextopics and raise awareness of these challenges.By amplifying diverse voices, Story Story Nightpromotes inclusion and encourages actiontoward creating a more equal and fair society. Asof 2023, Story Story Night has also provided livestorytelling interpretation in sign language forthe deaf and hard of hearing at many events.SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesStory Story Night plays a role in buildingSustainable Cities and Communities bypreserving local cultural heritage throughstorytelling and by featuring unique local venues.By offering an accessible and extensive platformwhere everyone’s story can be heard, theorganization strengthens community vibrancy,fostering a sense of belonging and contributingto cultural and social sustainability.10

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Story Story Night, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, isdedicated to the ancient, cross-cultural art oforal storytelling. Part spontaneous and partperformance, Story Story Night events engageaudiences, both young and old, from allaround the Treasure Valley. Storytelling is aglobal tradition; it is a means of connectingwith people, transmitting knowledge, culture,and family history.THE STORYTELLING PHENOMENONTHAT LIGHTS UP THE TREASUREVALLEY COMMUNITY ABOUT STORY STORY NIGHTEach event is styled on a widely interpretable theme, and audience members can expect to hearstories that emerge from themes like “the OUTDOORS,” “HUMBLE PiE,” “SOUND OFF,” or “THEAMERiCAN DREAM.” Each evening, three featured storytellers share true stories, live from the stageand without notes. After a pre-event coaching session on the "Story Wave" from the host or a ‘Studio Guide,’ featuredstorytellers build a framework for their true stories, but once on stage, they speak freely—no scriptsallowed. Additionally, individuals in the audience can put their names in a ”hat” as “story slammers,”who are chosen at random and brought on the main stage to share a short but memorable tale in linewith the event’s specific theme.11Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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ONE MINUTE YOU’RE GASPING, THENEXT YOU’RE LAUGHING.Part of the thrill of Story Story Night is neverquite knowing what to expect. Stories rangein tone and style, and the diversity ofstorytellers curates a wealth of distinct talestold on-stage. The stories are real, andunpredictably human. One minute you’regasping, the next you’re laughing.What stays constant is the collective desireto lean in: the way the room tilts, ready tocatch each word, each twist. Whether it’slaughter, tears, or held breath, you neverquite know how the night will unfold—butyou can count on a connection that lingerslong after the stories fade. Jodi Eichelberger, Host of Story Story Night’s flagship season andArtistic Director since 2016, introduces storytellers for the 2018Slammer of the Year event, “FiNiSH LiNE” at Meridian Speedway.12Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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During the pandemic in 2021, Story Story Nighthosted the show 'Love Connection' in collaborationwith Angie Smith, a New York Times publishedphotographer who built a project called "19 LoveStories," the event left the audience in awe through aheartfelt and unexpected connection.“Love Connection” featured storytellers JenniferWhittaker, a musician and mother, and Michelle andJavier Andrade, owners of the local Mexicanrestaurant Andrades.Jennifer shared her journey of relocating to Boiseafter living on the road with her young son and dog.When the pandemic hit, she focused on creatingstability for her small family. In a moving, unscriptedmoment during the show, Jennifer turned to theAndrades on stage and thanked them directly: “Atthe time [...] I was within a couple days of gettingpaid, my money was gone, and I was having to utilizeresources like going and eating at Andrades.Multiple times in this last year you guys have fed myfamily.” The Andrades had opened their restaurantduring the pandemic to serve free meals to anyone inneed. Both the storytellers and the audience felt theundeniable power of the moment. Story Story Nightnot only captured this shared story but made it a partof the broader local narrative, a reflection of theTreasure Valley’s enduring resilience and collectiveheart.The emotional resonance of this night lingered withaudience members and continues to make 'LoveConnection' one of the most streamed episodes ofStory Story Night’s podcast. The experiences sharedon the Story Story Night stage are a powerfulreminder of the humanity in each of our stories. As Jodi, the Producing Artistic Director, said as he closed the show, “Part of what we do at Story StoryNight—half of it is telling the story—and the otherbig portion is hearing the story. Hearing is anaction.” Through storytelling, Story Story Nightcontinues to demonstrate that each story, when weshare without fear and listen without judgement,makes space for truth that brings people together fora more connected community.IMAPCT FROM THE STAGE: STORY STORY NIGHT’S 'LOVE CONNECTION'13

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INCLUSIVITY, PARTNERSHIPS, AND ICONIC SPACESStory Story Night intentionally cultivates the safety andsuccess of each event by prioritizing an intimate,inclusive space where storytellers and audiences canbond over shared life experiences without judgement.Though the audience has grown, venues are carefullychosen to maintain a close, trusting atmosphere. Fromiconic locations like the Boise Depot, JUMP, andIdaho’s Old Penitentiary to the Visual Arts Collectiveand the historic El Korah Shrine or the former RoseRoom on Main Street, Story Story Night strengthenslocal networks by hosting events in places rich in localhistory and cultural significance. With a commitment to highlight Boise’s art scene, eachevent features a local musician or band, carefullyselected to complement the evening's theme. Forinstance, during "Starry Story Night: THE BiG DiPPER,"featured storyteller Jessica Joy Harned’s ClassicalQueens Quartet provided musical accompaniment,creating an integrated musical score alongside thestories shared. Similarly, "FAST FORWARD" featuredthe musical guest All Around Cowboy, a Boise-basedband that blends traditional country western music withmodern influences, aligning with the event's forward-looking narrative. This thoughtful integration of musicnot only sets the tone for each event but alsoshowcases the talent within Boise's music community. A focus on accessibility and engagement is at the heartof Story Story Night’s values, leading to partnershipsthat extend its reach and deepen its impact.Collaborations with organizations like the IdahoAssociation for the Deaf (IAD) have been particularlyAudience at 2024's PURSE! DiSCUSSESpresented with Idaho Association of the Deafat the James Castel Housemeaningful. In September 2024, Story Story Nighthosted "PURSE! DiSCUSSES: Stories of Communication& Connections" at, and inspired by, Boise’s JamesCastle House, an event celebrating the Deafcommunity's narratives. Timothy Blonsky, President ofIAD, led the event, which featured storytellers withinthe deaf community. The event included performancesby the Open Arms Dance Project, featuring a hard-of-hearing and CODA dancer, and was interpreted forboth hearing and deaf audiences. Blonsky describedthe event’s success, stating, “The goal of these showsis to show cultural ambassadorship and that's exactlywhat it did. I have gotten great feedback from thecommunity on how they learned about Boise’s deafculture.” Continues on Page 16. 14Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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Story Story Night’s reach spansdiverse communities, from sparkingcreativity at the Meridian Arts Partyto hosting a free storytellingworkshop at the Dick EardleySenior Center. One of the mostimpactful collaborations has beenwith the Idaho Prison Alliance, forthe show “RECORD,” where ChrisShanahan, temporarily releasedfrom prison for the event, shared astory of his powerful journey oftransformation and how he’smaking the best of his life during his20+ years of incarceration.Each event fosters a safe, inclusivespace for authentic storytelling—where voices are heard andexperiences are honored. This commitment to representationhas led to events like “OUT OF THECLOSET DOOR” in June 2024,where multiple queer storytellerscourageously shared their personalpath of self-acceptance.Audience members consistentlydescribe Story Story Night’s eventsas “inclusive” and “cheery,” with“no judgment.”Attendees like Karen Cuellar andSylvia Nierling reflect on their ownconnections forged throughstorytelling, with Nierling noting,“When I attend, I feel part of thearts community and the greaterBoise area. We come from differentbackgrounds… but when you attenda Story Story Night, we are therefor the same reasons, and itcreates a feeling of connection.”Story Story Night’s dedication tocommunity building and connectionhas earned the organization the roleof Boise’s Cultural Ambassadorfrom 2023 to 2025.With impact reaching far beyondBoise, through partnerships withthe Young East Asian Professionalnetwork, Story Story Night hascreated unique opportunitiesabroad with a Studio Guide beinginvited to lead a workshop in Laos(sometime in the future whenfunding allows). Additionally, the Idaho Associationfor the Deaf (IAD) has developedongoing communication with theIndonesian Deaf community thanksto a happenstance meeting at theirevent. IAD has been supportingIndonesia in establishing a moreformal infrastructure for their deafcommunity.Story Story Night’s powerfulstorytelling influence also spanscontinents through its podcast,which has attracted nearly 250,000plays since 2016. Listeners fromaround the world—including12,000 in Canada and 6,000 inAustralia—are tuning in to theauthentic voices that make thisevent so impactful, demonstratinghow local stories resonate globally.Continued from Page 14.An engaged audience at January2025's KiNG show 16Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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Story Story Night is a catalyst for community building. Every storyshared, whether through themes of desire, loss, or transformation,contributes to a more vibrant and understanding community. With thesupport of dedicated partners, volunteers, and audiences, Story StoryNight continues to build a platform where every voice can be heard andcelebrated. And, with continued commitment to impacting communitythrough authentic, accessible, and diverse storytelling, Story Story Nightwill remain aligned with global impact initiatives. Looking ahead, the stories told here will continue to inspire, challenge,and unite. Thank you for being part of the journey. Together we areshaping a more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally rich future—onestory at a time.CELEBRATING THE POWEROF STORYTELLING“I’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED STORYTELLING SAVES US ALL. “DOINGIT FOR THE PLOT” IS THE WHOLE POINT OF EXISTENCE. STORYSTORY NIGHT (LITERALLY) SHOWS THAT IN WILDLYENTERTAINING AND EMPATHETIC WAYS. DEEP IN MY HEART, IKNOW THAT THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF THE CONNECTION,INSPIRATION, AND HEALING OF STORY STORY NIGHT HAVE LITUP 10S OF 1000S OF SOULS. WHAT A MAGIC STORY.” JESSICA HOLMES, CO-FOUNDER18Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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PhotographersCHRISTINA BIRKINBINECHELSEA HARADAPAUL BUDGEPoster & Show GraphicDesignerJULIA GREENCopy WriterJESSICA HOLMESJODI EICHELBERGERTechnical DirectorSTEPHEN BALDASSARRERecent Board of Directors &Committee MembersRUTH SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENTKERRY BRUCE, TREASURERNATHAN PITTMAN, SECRETARY JODI EICHELBERGER, ARTISTIC DIRECTORNATALIA DIGIOSIA, VOLUNTEER COORDINATORSHANNON DUNSTAN, SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM MANAGERCOURTNEY MAXWELL-SHEY, STUDIO COORDINATORHANNAH MAE PRIMUS, SPONSORSHIP COORDINATORStudio GuidesPATTI O’HARALETA HARRIS NEUSTAEDTERMATTHEW MELTONJESSICA HOLMESProducing Artistic DirectorTEAM HIGHLIGHTSTo the many hands, hearts, andvoices that have shaped StoryStory Night—thank you. Thisstory is yours too.20Throughout the Years | Story Story Night

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REPORT PRODUCED BY HMK IMPACT.With a commitment toauthentic storytelling andcommunity impact, HMKImpact is proud to supportStory Story Night inshowcasing its far-reachinginfluence. This reportreflects the power ofcollaboration, illustratinghow storytelling strengthenscommunities, fostersinclusion, and contributes toa more sustainable andcompassionate future.HMK-IMPACT.COMReal people. Real change. Real progress.Let us tell your storyand celebrate your impact.Ruth Schwartz, 2022-26 Board President, telling a story forslammer competition “Slammers in the Slam” at Idaho’s OldPenitentiary.

15 Years of Story Story Night

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