Tyler

Literacy Council of Tyler will hold its annual Corporate Spelling Bee fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 6, at Rose Garden Center.

Competing teams will be Tyler Morning Telegraph; Tyler Pipe; Austin Bank; Carrier Corp.; Mentoring Minds; Sam’s Club; Suddenlink; ETMC; Gollob, Morgan, Peddy & Co., P.C.; Henry & Peters, P.C.; Pilot Club of Tyler; Snelling Staffing; Trane Co.; Tyler Independent School District and Wilson Law Firm.

“Filled with fun and uproarious entertainment, the bee is an event not to be missed,” said Jessie Prestridge, LCOT’s assistant executive director. “In addition to a spelling winner, there will also be a spirit winner. Each team desires as much audience support as they can muster, so come on and support the team of your choice.”

Judges will be Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, TJC President Dr. Michael Metke, and Mr. Tom Harken, author of “The Millionaire’s Secret” and winner of the 1992 Horatio Alger award. Serving as emcee will be attorney Alan Jackson and LCOT member David Long will be the pronouncer.

LCOT helps adults improve basic reading, writing, and/or math skills, prepare for GED testing, or learn English as a second language.

LCOT says it provides services for $500 per student per year thanks in part to the support of volunteers. Last year, 311 volunteers gave 47,675 volunteer hours.

The bee is being presented by the Tyler Morning Telegraph. Other sponsors include Brookshire Grocery Co., Hoeffner Foundation, Wal-Mart Supercenters (Texas Highway 64, South Broadway, and Mineola locations), and Southside Bank.

Admission is $15, and tickets may be purchased at the door. Lunch will be catered by Traditions and coffee will be served by Starbucks.

Call Ms. Prestridge at 903-533-0330 for more information.

The 2007 Literacy Council Spelling Bee featured many participants in costume.
(Spotted photo by Erin King)