By Karen Wolitzer
I loved it as a child and I still enjoy it now.So when I read that there would be a Scrabble© tournament on March 3, I got very excited and had to write about it. The Fifth Annual (Un)Scrabble Challenge will take place at the Long Island Marriott Hotel, in Uniondale. The event was created in conjunction with Hasbro, the maker of Scrabble© and the National Scrabble© Association.The Roslyn Savings Foundation is this year's primary sponsor and WHLI and KJOY 98.3 will be there with music and contests. Other national sponsors include Ben & Jerry's, who will be providing a delicious dessert.The proceeds of the night go to Literacy Volunteers of America-Nassau County (LVA-NC), a non-profit agency that helps adults learn to read, write and speak English. They've been serving Long Island since 1961 and are one of the largest affiliates of the LVA in the nation. It's hard to believe that there are 44 million adults in America that are functionally illiterate. And even harder to believe that in some Long Island areas more than 40% of adults can't read! These are staggering figures. And these people just might be your family, friends or neighbors.It takes great courage for these men and women to seek help. They usually do it because they want to get better jobs or keep the ones they have. They seek help so that they can get off of public assistance or pursue higher educations. Some do it because they want to be able to read their children bedtime stories or be better role models. Whatever their reasons...they need your help.So, why not come out, play three frenzied rounds of Scrabble©, enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner and some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and show that you care. Come say hello to the fine folks from Lynbrook Bagels, who always show up with great Scrabble© ties. Or cheer on the Oceanside teachers who come out in full force to support literacy and enjoy the night."It's the most fun fundraiser I've ever been to," said one of the players last year to Anne DuPrey, Executive Director of LVA-NC. "I couldn't have said it better," says Anne. "It's a lively competition. People play in 6-8 person teams. We have about 30 teams and they compete to use all of the Scrabble© letters in the game on their board within a certain period of time. It's truly an exciting evening. The prize is the honor of wearing a number one ribbon. People take it very seriously. The winning team also gets to choose another charity and LVA will donate $100 to that charity."If you're a game person, like I am, this is one event you won't want to miss.
