Raising a glass with a champion toastmaster

A Maryland man who was named the 2022 Guinness Great Reunion Toast Champion is hoping to carry onto that title and win once more this yr.

Tom Ponton bought fortunate and obtained a $50,000 prize from the beer firm for his skills final yr. Ponton is a proud Irish-American. He’s a gifted toastmaster who discovered the ability from his grandmother.

“I believe it’s in my DNA,” he stated. “My grandmother lived subsequent door to me in Hyattsville, and he or she was an ideal purveyor of every thing Irish. Nice singer herself and had all of those Irish events the place individuals would come by and inform a narrative or say a poem or sing a track.”

“Rising up in that surroundings has led to this second,” Ponton added. 

Based on the Hyattsville native, Ponton stated the key to an ideal toast is it has to return from the guts. Being pure and preparation is essential. 

“Its gotta have some sentiment, perhaps an Irish twist to it,” he stated. 

Ponton recited the toast to FOX 5 that made him a champion:

“If you’re previous and grey and doze by the hearth

And you’ve got one final glass earlier than you retire

It’s not about wealth however the seeds that you simply’ve sown

To the individuals you have cherished and the chums that you have recognized.

So let’s elevate a glass to our household and pals

and to those that oppose us, properly, let’s make amends

For there is not any use in cryin’, it isn’t an extended keep

I’m not one for me lyin’ — Blissful St. Patrick’s Day!”

Ponton believes a toast is an excellent approach to deliver individuals collectively and be optimistic.

“Life may be arduous,” he stated. “In the event you go searching you, you’ll discover one thing in your life that’s value toasting each day. Doesn’t must be an alcoholic drink, however regardless of what may be occurring, you gotta discover the nice in issues, and why not toast?”

Ponton will discover out on Friday, March twenty fourth, if he gained the competition once more this yr.