Write a commentNational Grid supports the cause of literacy in Oswego County as this year's Making a Difference sponsor for the 8th Annual Diane Falise Memorial Scrabble® Fest fund raiser for Literacy Volunteers.
"We greatly appreciate this generous, continued support and partnership with National Grid," Diane Cooper-Currier, executive director of Oswego County Opportunities, said. "They have been a considerable advocate of OCO over the years and we are thrilled to have them participate again this year."
Meg Henderson, coordinator of Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County, agreed.
"Without the generosity of our sponsors, we would not be able to provide these much-needed services," Henderson said. "Currently, approximately 15-17 percent of the adult population of Oswego County cannot read above the fifth grade level. The majority of LVOC students are between the ages of 19 and 59, with the fastest growing age group entering the program being between 18 and 29. It is an issue that needs to be addressed, as these individuals are unable to do what many of us take for granted such as reading newspapers, medication labels, recipes and most books. LVOC offers the opportunity for them to gain the literary skills and computer skills necessary for daily activities and more."
"Reading is a basic human right," Melanie Littlejohn, regional executive of National Grids Central New York Division, said. "Reading opens up a whole host of opportunities to new readers. It provides essential tools with which to make good decisions and its just plain fun. National Grid supports programs like this to help communities and customers we serve grow and prosper."
Registration is open for teams who want to participate in Scrabble Fests fun, fast-paced competition. Teams consist of four players, who work together to create words during three turns in each of the four 20-minute rounds of play. Team scores will be tallied and the top three teams will be awarded prizes. To add to the fun of the event, there will be special prizes for the most pledges raised (team registration is not considered pledge money) and for team spirit.
In addition to the Scrabble competition, Henderson said there will be a silent auction featuring some great items donated by local merchants who support LVOC, a 50/50 raffle and a lottery ticket drawing.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., welcome is at 6:15 p.m., and games begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Entry fee is $100 per team and includes light refreshments. The cost for spectators, those who want to attend but not compete in the event, is $15 (this fee includes light refreshments). Cash bar available. All proceeds from Scrabble Fest will benefit LVOC. For more information on LVOC or to register a team for the 8th Annual Diane Falise Memorial LVOC Scrabble® Fest, contact Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County at 315-342-8839 or visit the OCO website at www.oco.org.
