Bee Benefit: Walworth County Literacy Council to host adult spelling bee

DELAVAN — The Walworth County Literacy Council is hosting an adult spelling bee in September, and is seeking sponsors.

The third-annual Bee Benefit is Sept. 26 at the Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan.

Two-person spelling teams will represent businesses, schools, and organizations.

It is interactive. Spectators join in the fun by spelling along at their tables.

All proceeds support the council’s mission to educate and partner with adult learners to reach their literacy goals, empowering themselves, their families and communities.

Last year, the event raised $30,000, said Lilly Barrett, the council’s executive director.

“We are primarily a volunteer-based organization but class materials cost money and this event helps fill the spaces that donations and grants can’t,” Barrett said.

Barrett said the council’s literacy programs provide no-cost, one-on-one tutoring for adult basic education, english as a second language, GED preparation, and citizenship instruction.

The Bee Benefit “heightens community awareness, shares our impact, and increases the understanding of the vital role that adult education and literacy play in our community,” the council said in a release.

Barrett said the council has served more than 2,000 people with basic education needs.

“Students who have participated in our no-cost, individualized tutoring were able to find employment, improve their position at work, go on to post-secondary education, and/or become citizens,” she said.

She said a spelling bee for adults is a unique opportunity for people to go out and do something for others.

“When people think of a spelling bee they think of middle school bleachers. This is a semi-formal affair with a nice dinner and cocktails,” she said. “It’s a friendly competition between 10 teams. The sponsor of the team receives a prize and the spellers get a trophy and of course bragging rights.”

Organizations, individuals and businesses can sponsor teams. Sponsorship levels in Imperial Bee with a contribution of $5,000, Queen Bee with a contribution of $2,500, Honeycomb with a contribution of $1,000, Busy Bee with a contribution of $500, Bumblebee with a contribution of $100 and a pollinator with any other contribution. Various sponsorship levels include tickets, recognition, the hosting of a team and sponsored words.

For additional information contact Barrett at (262) 475-9180, email her at wclcinfo@gmail.com, or visit the council’s website at walworthcountyliteracycouncil.org.