There’s still time to put together a team and win cash playing SCRABBLE.
And at the same time, you’ll be helping Literacy Volunteers of Schoharie County.
LVSC is hosting a SCRABBLE tournament at 9am March 21 at Radez School in Richmondville.
Proceeds will benefit LVSC, which teaches adults how to read.
Four-person teams, ages 16 and older, will compete in two fast-paced SCRABBLE games, each with different rules. Winners will earn $600 in cash, and players will receive giveaways and gifts for taking part.
Players can enjoy a warm-up round before the tournament begins.
Trivia, jokes and commentary will come from Radez Principal Brian Dineen, who as emcee will keep the mood light but competitive.
The team entry fee is $100, and teams must sign up by March 19.
“The idea is to have fun and raise money at the same time,” said LVSC board member Jim Poole. “It’s friendly competition for a good cause.”
The fundraiser is necessary because Literacy Volunteers depends on state funding, which is being cut this year.
LVSC uses trained, volunteer tutors to teach adults reading. Of the more than 40 similar literacy programs in the state, LVSC is rated the best, according to Executive Director Lisa Cardilli.
“Especially in these times, when people need reading skills to get jobs, we have to keep this program going,” Mr. Poole said. “A fundraiser built around a vocabulary game like SCRABBLE makes a lot of sense for us.”
Businesses and individuals have signed on to help with the tournament. Among them are Support Services Alliance, Mereness-Putnam/Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home, the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Sharon Springs, Parshall & West, AMT Inc. and Marjorie Becker.
“People have been very generous,” Mr. Poole said. “Now we’re looking for teams to pitch in.”
So far, about a dozen teams have signed up, he said.
Teams can register by calling Literacy Volunteers at 234-2576 or by email, lvascho@verizon.net.