Have you ever sat in front of your television and done Q&A with a game show host? If so, Literacy Volunteers has an exciting opportunity for you. On Saturday March 2nd more than two dozen teams will compete in the 27th annual Literacy Challenge. Champlain Centre will host; Sunrise Rotary Club members will serve as questioners and judges; Tim Hartnett and Phil Kie will handle the sound systems, and hundreds of community member will take part.
The revamped format for this year’s Challenge will feature more questions about popular culture designed to appeal to a generational cross section. In addition, there will be questions about the seven traditional categories of history/geography, science, literature, sports, current events, and music/art.
Competition will begin at noon with a rapid round robin tournament. You’ll have to buzz in quickly if you want to stay in the game. After that whirlwind, the eight teams with the highest score will go into quarter finals, semifinals and then the big finish at approximately 5 p.m.
Teams, made up of people from business, education, not for profits, churches, service clubs, and the media as well as teams composed of literacy tutors will compete for bragging rights and trophies, some of them as much as three feet high.
The Au Sable Valley Central School Teachers are historically the team to beat. They have come in number one in seven of the last eight years but The Northeast Group has been hot on their heels for the past two years, coming in in second place.
The entry fee for each team is $300. “The Challenge is our largest fundraiser,” explained Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County Executive Director Linda Carela. “Businesses and individuals who want to support community literacy programs but cannot field a team are encouraged to become sponsors.”
Carela continued, “This is the time of year when the community is most generous to us. It is when our business partners and supporters really step up with significant donations. We are most grateful for the support that allows us to carry on our mission.”
“The Challenge is also a great opportunity for people who want to support Literacy Volunteers but don’t have the time to tutor,” emphasized Jean Ann Hunt, president of the Literacy Volunteers Board of Directors. “They can volunteer for the tournament. It is a wonderful day and a wonderful way for them to show their support.”
In addition to her role as facilitator and ringmaster for the Challenge, one of Carela’s goals will be to spend time taking about literacy and the programs of Literacy Volunteers with people in the mall who stop by to view the competition. There will also be activities to keep children busy while parents enjoy the action.
This year’s Literacy Challenge is only days away. Mark your calendar and save the date for this unique event. There will be many ways to participate. Organize a four-person team, be a volunteer or a sponsor, or join the enthusiastic crowds to watch.
To get in the game with a team, call Linda Carela at 518 564-5330. Late entries will be accommodated.