St. Petersburg Gears Up for Adult Spelling Bee Fundraiser

News Summary

On April 4th, St. Petersburg will host the annual Adult Spelling Bee fundraiser organized by the Literacy Council of St. Petersburg. The event, set to take place at Coastal Creative, aims to bolster adult literacy programs, which have become increasingly important following the pandemic. Participants will enjoy food, drinks, and the chance to win exciting prizes, while raising funds for educational resources and tutor training. The evening promises fun, competition, and community impact with various teams gearing up for the challenge.

St. Petersburg Ready to Spell for a Cause!

This April 4th, St. Petersburg will be buzzing with energy as the Literacy Council of St. Petersburg (LCSP) prepares to kick off its much-anticipated annual Adult Spelling Bee fundraiser! The event is scheduled to unfold at Coastal Creative, located at 2201 1st Ave S, starting at 6 p.m. So, grab your friends and bring your spelling game because this night is all about fun and supporting a fantastic cause.

Spelling Bee – A Signature Fundraiser

Since its inception in 2015, the Spelling Bee has become the signature fundraiser for LCSP, drawing attendees eager to witness the most competitive and spirited spellers in town. With the lasting impact of the pandemic, this year’s event is even more critical, as many learners faced challenges in staying connected, especially those without access to technology. These challenges underscored the importance of providing support for adult literacy programs in our community.

Funds raised during this event will directly contribute to expanding reach and matching more learners with valuable tutors. Every dollar collected will go towards purchasing educational materials, enhancing tutor training, and boosting outreach efforts to those who need it the most.

Ready, Set, Spell!

As the night of spelling excitement draws nearer, the spotlight will shine on the talented pronouncer, Meredith Myers, also known as St. Pete’s Standup Librarian. Participants and the audience can look forward to a delightful atmosphere as they enjoy a selection of beer, wine, and scrumptious bites from local vendors throughout the evening.

For those who get a little too caught up in the excitement and misstep on a word, there’s good news! Spectators will have the chance to donate and give teams a “second chance”—a fantastic way to stay involved with the action and support their favorite spellers.

Raffles and Dreams

As if an adult spelling bee with a cause wasn’t thrilling enough, attendees can also look forward to raffles drawn between rounds! What’s at stake? More than just bragging rights! The grand prize is nothing less than a Southwest Airlines plane ticket—what a perfect chance for adventure!

Turning the spotlight onto teams, we have the BeeHives, an enthusiastic group that has donned their ‘50s outfits and are determined to take home the trophy this year after two consecutive years as runners-up! Last year’s champions, The BarBEEs, showcased their fantastic spelling abilities and are looking to defend their title.

There’s also a heartwarming story from last year’s event! A learner from LCSP named Zeke represented his team, OnomatoBEEia, and secured third place. For Zeke, it was a moment he described as the best day of his life, proving how important this spelling bee is not just for fun but for fostering growth and connection within our community.

The Bigger Picture

Amidst all the excitement, it’s crucial to remember the serious side of why events like this matter. Statistics show that one in five adults in the U.S. struggle with basic reading and comprehension skills. Addressing adult literacy is essential for ensuring that individuals can access employment, achieve economic stability, and navigate healthcare situations effectively.

With all this in mind, the Literacy Council is actively seeking tutors, administrative volunteers, and supporters for community outreach initiatives. If you’re interested in making a difference, you can get involved by contacting LCSP via phone at 727-521-1117, through email at info@literacystpete.org, or by visiting the website at literacystpete.org for more information.

And if you can’t make it to the bee, don’t fret! You can still support a team through online donations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this worthy cause.

Get ready to cheer, spell, and enjoy an electrifying night in St. Petersburg—it’s going to be a blast for a great cause!

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• Google Search: Adult Literacy