Florence Hosts Community Spelling Bee Fundraiser to Battle Illiteracy

Florence Hosts Exciting Grown-Up Spelling Bee Fundraiser

Florence went all out on November 12 for a fun-filled evening that celebrated literacy in our community while showcasing some impressive spelling skills! The Florence Area Literacy Council hosted its much-anticipated Grown-Up Spelling Bee at the lovely Staybridge Suites in Florence, and let’s just say, it was quite the spectacle!

Tacos and Spelling: A Winning Combo

Before the buzzing began, the audience was treated to a delightful taco dinner, ensuring everyone had their energy topped up for the competition ahead. Who doesn’t love tacos and a bit of friendly rivalry, right? The atmosphere was lively as teams filled the room, ready to spell their hearts out.

And the Winner Is…

After several rounds of thrilling spelling, the crown went to the Post and Courier Pee Dee team! Comprising Kellen Lott, Abby Ann Ramsey, and Kellen Jordan, they triumphed by correctly spelling the challenging word antinome, meaning something that contradicts. The crowd cheered in excitement as the team received their well-deserved trophy from Christina Lawson, the Executive Director of the Florence Area Literacy Council, and the charming host, Brad Richardson.

A Cause Worth Spelling For

It’s inspiring to note that this lively event wasn’t just about showcasing talented spellers; it served a crucial purpose. As Christina Lawson pointed out during the event, a staggering 33 percent of Florence County residents are functionally illiterate. Funds raised through the Grown-Up Spelling Bee are a step toward changing this statistic, with early estimates suggesting the event brought in approximately $11,000 for literacy programs. That’s a win all around!

Meet the Competitors

Several teams took to the stage, each representing various local businesses and organizations. The A&J Firearms crew, with Angela Pecca, Michelene Sheehy, and Curtis Cribb, wowed the audience as they correctly spelled their word in the second round. Meanwhile, the Anderson Brother’s Bank Bees, consisting of Taylor Mitchem, Brooke Jones, and Tomiah Jones, strategized on how to tackle their next word, while the team Here For the L had a lively discussion about the spelling of kamikaze.

With teams like the Niagara Bottling squad, made up of Katherine Burch, Griffin Cook, and Ron Stine, and the State Farm representatives, Mandy Simpson, Jackie King, and Madi Love, the competition was fierce yet friendly, filling the room with laughter and cheers.

Looking Ahead

This Grown-Up Spelling Bee is a fantastic reminder that we can all come together for a common cause while having a bit of fun. The Florence Area Literacy Council continues to take strides in combating illiteracy in our community, and events like these play a pivotal role in that mission. Stay tuned for what’s next from them, and don’t forget, every little bit helps. Together, we can spell a brighter future!

For those interested in supporting this remarkable initiative or learning more about upcoming events, keep an eye on the Florence Area Literacy Council’s updates!