In less than a month, I will team up with two of my closest friends and community supporters for the 2023 Adult Spelling Bee hosted by Book Drive for Kids.
I haven't been in a spelling bee since grade school! So, naturally, I'm a tad nervous. But we've got a team name (Highway to Spell), matching shirts are in the works, and the playful trash-talking between my team and other entrants has already reached a fevered pitch.
We fully intend to win this adult spelling bee, too!
After all, I own a writing and editing company. It's bad form if I lose. And my teammates (Buddy Bonner and Crystal Foster) are no slouches. Buddy has even gone on record saying he intends to be extremely brash (playfully, of course) in his efforts to play the heel character. And Crystal and I are equally as committed to leaving everyone else in the dust.
But the real winners are kids. The fact that this is a CHARITY event should not get lost in all of this! That's the real reason all of us are here, and that's why this event will succeed.
What Is Book Drive for Kids?
Book Drive for Kids' goal is to create a culture of literacy by providing books to disadvantaged children for independent reading. There is no cost to the kids or their families, just an opportunity to read for pleasure and personal fulfillment.
Per its website, Book Drive for Kids has donated almost 41,000 books to more than 36,000 students at nearly 100 events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2017.
Their reach extends to places like Austin, Houston, and South Texas, and they achieve this thanks to active volunteers and support, donations, and grants from other entities.
The organization's website pointed to studies that suggest independent readers become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas, and have greater content knowledge than those who do not. Sadly, purchasing even one or two books is considered a luxury for many families. The Adult Spelling Bee on March 4 at Elk's Lodge in Grapevine is another opportunity to raise funds and awareness about this important cause.
How can you get involved?
While the teams for this year's Adult Spelling Bee are set, you can join in on the fun and give to a great cause by purchasing individual tickets or an entire table at the event.
Sponsorships are also available.
For more information, email michelle@bookdriveforkids.com.
Thank you for reading! And come cheer us on! After all, even the eventual winners (Highway to Spell) need a little support along the way. :)
STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.
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