NORWICH – Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County is gearing up for the second installment of Scrabble® for Literacy. Held in June and October, the twice-yearly event is the non-profit organization’s largest fundraiser.
This installment of the event will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Norwich Branch of Morrisville State College, 20 Conkey Ave. in Norwich.
“We’re looking forward to a good turnout” reported LVCC Program Coordinator Kelly Sines. While the event draws a steady stream of regulars, new participants are always welcome, said Sines.
Sines recommends forming teams of two to three players. Those looking for fun and friendly competition, will find it in the Beginner or Intermediate categories. Those looking for more cut-throat competition, can challenge themselves in the Advanced class.
The cost to participate is $10 per person in advance, or $12 at the door. Additional pledges are welcome, and sponsorships are available as well.
The money raised during the event benefits the local organization, which has served local adults trying to improve their literacy skills for the last 25 years.
Illiteracy is a larger problem in Chenango County than many people realize, according to Sines. As many as 1 in 8, or 12 percent of the local adult population, reads below a 4th grade level, she reported. Fully 20 percent, or 1 in 5, do not have a high school diploma; and 43 percent struggle with reading, writing or math in some way.
LVCC was hit hard this year by state budget cuts, which lopped $14,000 - 32 percent - off the grant which supports the majority of its operating expenses. Because of those cuts, Sines says the success of this event and their other fundraising efforts are more vital than ever to the organization’s survival. Which is why she and others involved with LVCC are hoping for even greater participating this time around.
“We had a good turnout in June,” she said, explaining that roughly 40 people participated in or volunteered for the event. She’s got her fingers crossed that they’ll top that number on the 23rd.
“We’re always looking for new people,” she added.
To register, or for more information, contact the LVCC office at 334-7114, ext. 279.