BOARDMAN, Ohio – Donna McAuley of Poland, Ohio, emerged victorious in the central division championship of the Toastmasters humorous speech contest March 22 in Twinsburg.

McAuley has been a member of Executive 408 Toastmasters in Youngstown for just a year and a half, but her quick wit and engaging storytelling earned her the top honor in the competition. Her win highlighted her natural comedic talent and the effectiveness of Toastmasters in developing public speaking.  “I am feeling proud, excited and happy,” she said.

The win is bittersweet as it comes approximately two years since McAuley lost her daughter, Amanda, 27, to a Fentanyl overdose.  At first, she didn’t want to do a speech at all, turning down the offer twice.

After talking to a friend, she entered the competition and is glad she did.

“Truthfully, it has been the best thing for me,” she said. “It is good to laugh.”  

With this win, McAuley advances to the divisional humorous speech contest, often referred to as “The Big Show,” on May 3 in Cleveland, where she will compete against some of the finest speakers in the region.

The central division humorous contest was a family affair as she competed alongside her sister, Nancy Kurko of Campbell, Ohio. Kurko did not place.

The Toastmasters humorous speech and international speech contests challenge speakers to craft and deliver speeches that entertain and captivate audiences. The humorous competitors progress through club, area, division and district levels, as they blend humor with impactful storytelling.

McAuley has pledged to raise awareness about the dangers of Fentanyl and advocate for better resources and support systems for those battling addiction through her nonprofit, AMWakeUpCall.org.

The nonprofit has purchased billboards around the Mahoning Valley that read “Don’t Use The “F” Word,” with Amanda’s photo on them. It also sponsored a fundraising walk in memory of Amanda and others who have died from Fentanyl overdoses.

For information about Toastmasters or Executive 408 Toastmasters, go to Toastmasters.org.

Pictured above: Donna McAuley.