Mid-Day Optimist Club spelling bee to raise money to help local youth

Chairperson Linda Geiseke said the event raises funds that will be used in many Optimist projects throughout the year.

"This is our biggest fundraiser," she said.

Geiseke said the club supports students at Butterfield Youth Services with an "angel tree" at Christmastime and Easter baskets for that holiday. The Optimists also provide scholarships to area high school students who want to attend college.

"All of our money we throw back into the community," Geiseke said.

Her goal for the event is to raise $7,000. Last year, she said, the total was about $6,000.

To participate in the spelling bee costs $100 per each four-person team. At the event, there will be both silent and live auctions, as well as food and drinks available for a cash donation.

New to the event this year -- in place of the loaded wheelbarrow -- is a raffle. A total of 100 tickets will be sold, for $30 each, and then there will be a drawing for one winner of $1,000. Tickets are available now from any Mid-Day Optimist.

There is no official deadline to register for the spelling bee, Geiseke said, but she would like people to sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 24.

She said people unable to form a team but still wanting to participate can contact her, and perhaps she can put together a team that way.

Geiseke also said the spelling bee is open to anyone who wants to attend, even non-spellers.

"Even if they don't want to spell, it's just fun," she said.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall in Marshall. For more information, contact Geiseke at 660-886-6825.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

Related Story:

Mid-Day Optimists to hold annual adult team spelling bee March 7 (2009):
www.marshallnews.com/story/1508216.html