Thinking about the next move is team Methodist Method, from left, Eric Friedman, Matt Foster and Kristofer Roof.
With so many fundraisers these days, organizations must be creative when coming up with an event to promote their causes.
And that is exactly what the Collierville Literacy Council has done with its annual fall “SCRABBLE FUNdraiser Tournament.”
“We’re so excited about our upcoming fundraiser,” said Kelly Thieme, director of the CLC. “We’d like to have as many people as possible from the community to join us. You don’t have to be a Scrabble expert to come out and enjoy the day and support a good cause.”
The steady popularity of a certain smart phone app is sure to help bring in participants.
Teams of three compete in three rounds for prizes and fun. Players range in age from 10 through adult. Families, friends, club groups, Scrabble fans and players at all levels are welcome.
The “SCRABBLE FUNdraiser Tournament” will be on Nov. 15 from l-4:30 p.m. at St. George’s Independent School. During play, volunteer Scrabble experts offer tips and help when needed. In addition, players enjoy food, door prizes, t-shirts, a silent auction, friendly competition, and team prizes.
The proceeds of the SCRABBLE FUNdraiser Tournament support a small CLC staff and allow them to purchase materials utilized by more than 150 volunteer tutors and 450 students.
“Our sponsorship goal this year is $20,000,” said Patricia Albee with CLC, “but we would also like to max out the number of teams to 40. We will continue to have a silent auction at the event, but this year, in addition, we will offer very special options on an online auction.”
Staff members and tutors assist adults in the achievement of their high school equivalency diploma, basic literacy skills, or English Language Learning goals. Adults from more than 25 countries are enrolled in the ELL program. And in the past five years, the CLC has assisted more than 700 adults earn high school equivalency.
Students and tutors not only focus on reading and writing, but also on job and life skills, conversation and use of technology. The CLC is accredited by ProLiteracy, an international organization.Collierville Reads, another CLC initiative, is a community-wide reading program that enlists school and community participation to promote reading and related events.
This year’s selections are Spare Parts and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Both books focus on unlikely innovators whose inspiration comes from teachers, books, and their own “can-do” spirit.
For more information about programs, call 854-0288. Visit colliervilleliteracy.org for registration and information about the SCRABBLE FUNdraiser Tournament.
