Thursday, March 6, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the St. Clair County Chapter of The Literacy Council of Central Alabama returns to The Center for Education and Performing Arts in Pell City. It’s time again for the Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee.

In 2024, the Great Grown Up Spelling Bee made a significant impact, raising $10,000 in support of The Literacy Council of Central Alabama. This sum was made possible through a combination of sponsorships and participant entry fees, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to promoting literacy in the region.

Attendees were treated to an array of door prizes, including everything from scented candles to $100 dinner vouchers for some of Birmingham’s best restaurants. The event not only celebrated the joy of words, but also underscored the collective effort to support a cause that impacts countless lives.

This year, the St. Clair County Chapter of The Literacy Council of Central Alabama hopes to exceed last year’s success with more teams and even more prizes. This event is free to attend, so visit CEPA on March 6, or better yet, get involved yourself. Get your three-person team together, brush up on your spelling words and register today.

The council estimates that 21 percent of adults ages 16-74 in Central Alabama need improved reading, writing or language skills. Its programs align educational opportunities for adults to optimize their potential, pursue their goals and help their families thrive.

If you’d like to participate, register your three-person team by visiting pellcitycepa.com/spell. The registration form can be edited digitally and sent via email to Ron DeThomas with the Literacy Council at wisdom.seekers@ymail.com. Entries may be mailed to The Literacy Council at the address below. Cost is $100, which can also be paid online. St. Clair County Literacy PO Box 284 Pell City, AL 35125.