Local Teams Take On Verbal Challenge Friday Night at Spellapalooza

Laying it on the line for literacy, 16 teams will put their spelling skills to the test Friday night at the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Centers’ 5^th annual Spellapalooza.

The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit. Last year, the center raised more than $13,000 for its literacy programs and the hope is that this year it will surpass that amount. 

Roughly 250 people are expected to attend, said Mary Beth Sackett, a board volunteer for the group. 

The Glen Ellyn Resource Center’s mission is to provide literacy and life skills to low-income households in Glen Ellyn, according to the organization.  The center provides tutoring in all academic subjects.

This year, 16 teams are participating, Sackett said. The teams will take on defending champions Alphabet Soup. Glen Ellyn Police Chief Philip Norton will emcee the old fashioned spelling bee that pits local teams and organizations against one another.

Judging this year will be local educators Pam Zimmerman, former Principal of Glenbard West, Ann Riebock, District 41 superintendent, Dave Larson, District 87 superintendent and Mark Pfefferman, the Glen Ellyn Village President.

The event will be held on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Glenbard West High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.