Spellabration Combines Adult Spelling Bee and Scrabble Tournament to Raise Funds for Literacy Action

Do you have a way with words? Put your spelling skills and Scrabble talents to the test on June 4, 2015 for the annual Spellabration to benefit Literacy Action, Georgia’s leading provider of adult education. Hosted at the Fabulous Fox Theater, Spellabration is a unique celebration of literacy including a speed Scrabble Tournament and a Spelling Bee.

The evening begins with a Spelling Bee, followed by a round of Speed Scrabble. Two more entertaining and taxing Bees and then onto the final Scrabble round. Many of the region’s top companies purchase tables and send teams to compete. King & Spalding LLP has won the completion the past two years. 

“Literacy Action builds better futures for undereducated adults by teaching literacy, life and work skills that empower them to reach their highest potential,” said Austin Dickson, executive director of Literacy Action, “We look forward to bringing together Atlanta’s top companies for an exciting and competitive Spellabration that celebrates our students, volunteers and literacy.”

In an effort to increase awareness of the importance of adult literacy, Literacy Action has developed “Ready to Read, Ready to Work; Five Literacy Issues to Watch in 2015” which outlines some of the statewide issues of concern around adult literacy. Some of the key statistics highlighting the importance of adult literacy include:

The 1.2 million Georgians over 25 without a high school diploma cost the state an estimated $3 billion per year or about 7% of the FY15 state budget. Currently, 3 out every 10 students sitting in a high school classroom will not graduate with a diploma.

Every four years, Georgia is producing approximately 37,500 high school dropouts, a population that if put together would be the 17th largest municipality in the state, just edging out Rome. Only 19% of parents without a high school diploma volunteer in their child's school. Volunteer rates increase dramatically with higher education levels.

Literacy Action is thankful for all of the support of our sponsors including Thyssenkrupp Elevator Americas, Delta Air Lines, BNY Mellon, Citizens of Georgia Power, Arnall Golden Gregory and AT&T. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: www.literacyaction.org/spellabration. 

About Literacy Action 
The mission of Literacy Action is to build better futures for undereducated adults by teaching literacy, life and work skills that empower them to reach their highest potential. Literacy Action is the oldest, largest and leading adult literacy nonprofit in the Southeast.