Florence Area Literacy Council Raises $11,000 at Grown-Up Spelling Bee Fundraiser

Florence Hosts Exciting Grown-Up Spelling Bee Fundraiser

Florence, SC once again showcased its community spirit on a crisp November 12th evening. The Florence Area Literacy Council brought together teams for its annual Grown-Up Spelling Bee fundraiser at the cozy Staybridge Suites. With a lovely temperature hovering around 70°F and a gentle breeze to set the mood, it was a perfect night to come together, eat delicious tacos, and cheer on the best spellers in town.

Fun for a Noble Cause

The night started with attendees filling their plates at the food line, eager for the taco dinner that awaited them. Smiling faces filled the room as everyone mingled, making the atmosphere lively and fun! As the audience settled down, an excited buzz surrounded the event, knowing they were not just here for good food but also to support a crucial cause.

A Serious Issue

Before diving into the spelling contest, Executive Director Christina Lawson took a moment to emphasize the importance of the event. “Did you know that a staggering 33 percent of Florence County residents are functionally illiterate?” she remarked, a fact that left many in the audience thoughtful. Lawson went on to explain how funds raised from the event would aid in reducing this troubling statistic, helping adults in the community improve their literacy skills.

The Spelling Teams Go Head-to-Head

With serious matters addressed, it was time for the fun to begin! Teams from local organizations took to the stage, competing not just for glory but also for bragging rights as the best spellers in Florence. Among the competitors, the Post and Courier Pee Dee team, consisting of Kellen Lott, Abby Ann Ramsey, and Kellen Jordan, emerged as fierce contenders.

The judges were on hand to ensure a fair contest, including esteemed community members like Brian Harrelson from Ruiz Foods and Dailihana Alfonseca, a literacy council volunteer and author. It was a night of fierce competition, raised voices, and laughter as teams worked on their spelling words. You could feel the tension and excitement in the room, especially as some teams had to deliberate tirelessly over tricky words.

Victory for the Local Team

The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers as the contestants tackled words like “kamikaze” and “antinome.” The competition was intense, with teams like A&J Firearms and Anderson Brother’s Bank Bees also displaying remarkable spelling prowess. However, it was the Post and Courier Pee Dee team that snagged the title when they correctly spelled “antinome,” meaning something that contradicts, sealing their victory in the spelling bee.

A Glorious and Rewarding Night

The night wrapped up beautifully as Christina Lawson, alongside Brad Richardson, presented the trophy to the winning team. It was a moment of triumph, not just for the spellers but for everyone who attended, knowing they were part of a cause that matters.

With an estimated total raised of around $11,000, the evening highlighted both the love for spelling and a commitment to literacy in the community. It’s amazing what a little competition can do, and this event was not just about fun – it was about making a real difference in the lives of many residents in Florence.

Looking Ahead

As the council continues to calculate the final funds, there’s anticipation for future events that not only entertain but also uplift the community. With evenings like this, Florence proves that it’s a town that knows how to strategically mix fun with heartfelt purpose.

So, if you missed this year’s Grown-Up Spelling Bee, don’t worry! Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s event, where more fun, food, and spelling await, all in the name of a great cause!