(Grafton, WI) The Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County (ALC) will host the Spellers of Oz on Friday, September 6, 2019, the third annual adult spelling bee to benefit its adult literacy programs. This Wizard of Oz themed event will include dinner, drinks, silent auction, and a competitive adult spelling bee. Teams of three people are allowed to work together to submit their answer hoping to out spell the competition and be crowned the best spelling team in Ozaukee County. Last year’s winner was Grace Lutheran Church outlasting runner-up North Shore Bank and thirteen other teams. A unique fundraising experience that is focused on competitive fun, the spelling bee raises awareness of the needs of those served by ALC as teams must face the challenge many ALC clients face every day. Even the spectators test their skills by spelling along at their tables.
ALC serves students who are developing basic adult education skills, working toward a General Equivalency Degree, English Language Learners and pursuing United States Citizenship. The one-on-one approach allows tutors to provide individualized sessions that respond to the unique needs of each student. One student Kate, an immigrant from Russia said, “to take full advantage of all the opportunities, I need to know English, as well as the culture and traditions of the people of America. ALC gives me this opportunity completely! My mentor, teacher and good friend is so patient with my mistakes, always ready to lend a helping hand. I feel progress in learning the language and am very grateful to the ALC and [my tutor] for the opportunity to get closer to my goal.”
The event will be led by Doug Jarecki, the Education and Outreach Administrator at the Waukesha Civic Theatre will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and the word pronouncer for the event. Doug is also an actor who has appeared on local stages and screens over the years. He is co-founder of the children's theatre company Kidsplay, which tours original and interactive shows throughout southeastern WI. He can currently be seen in Skylight Music Theatre's production of Kiss Me, Kate, which runs thru June 16th. He is also a featured voice actor in the upcoming Planetarium film It's About Time! He wrote, produced, and starred in 'Twas The Month Before Christmas, which will be returning to Vogel Hall at the Marcus Center this Christmas after a highly successful run in December 2018. With his extensive improv and theatre background, Doug has worked with local event planners and businesses over the years in a variety of roles to help create engaging and personalized events.
The Coerper Maurer Foundation whose mission is to support educational efforts, is the title or Shakespeare level sponsor for the event. The fundraising goal is $25,000. These funds come through sponsorship, team participation fees, spectator fees, program ads and silent auction baskets. ALC continues to seek sponsors for the event. Sponsorship and registration information is available on the ALC website: https://www.adultliteracyoz.org/events-1/spellers-of-oz
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The mission of the Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County is: To provide individualized educational services for adult learners to improve academic and life skills in order to pursue their personal, professional, and life goals. Started in 1988 as a mission of Grace Lutheran Church, Grafton, ALC became an independent 501c3 organization in 2013.