Literacy New York-Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie Counties 15th Annual SCRABBLE FUNdraiser is Coming

RICHMONDVILLE — An upcoming SCRABBLE tournament is all about winning cash and bragging rights while having fun.

Set for March 21 at Radez School in Richmondville, the annual tournament is a major fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers, which teaches adults how to read.

And although fundraising is the purpose, fun is the focus on March 21.

Teams of two to four people compete in three SCRABBLE games, all with different rules, and the total scores determine the winners.  The top team wins $200, the next three take home $100, and so that every team has a shot at cash, one team from the rest is drawn to win another $100.

“We’ve done this for more than 14 years, and everyone, win or lose, has a good time,” said Lisa Cardilli, executive director of Literacy New York—Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties.

“It’s low-pressure, friendly competition with about 20 teams in the mix,”

This isn’t typical SCRABBLE.  Teams try to fill up their boards with high-scoring words and deal with different rules.  In one of the three games, for instance, players may not use one vowel, such as an a or an e.

“Different rules may scare off some players,” said Jim Poole, Literacy Volunteers’ board president.  “But actually, the rules level the playing field and give everyone a chance.”

To familiarize players with the tournament, Literacy Vice President April Islip will answer questions and have a practice round at The Community Library in Cobleskill on February 10, 5:30pm.  It’s open to all.

“This would be a great opportunity for people who are interested but aren’t sure what happens,” Islip said.  “I want people to see how easy and fun it is.”

At the March 21 tournament, players can boost their scores by buying extra letters or getting a peek in a dictionary to spell difficult words.

There’s also more than the three SCRABBLE games.  Trivia contests between the games offer a chance to win prizes, and there will be a huge raffle for players to take part in.

Brian Dineen, who’s emceed every tournament, returns again this year.

“Brian makes the day,” Cardilli said.  “He’s glib and funny, and at the same time, he’s dedicated to our cause.”

Rooster on the Run will provide a free continental breakfast for players.

The entry fee is $15 per person.  

Doors open at 8am on the 21st, and the tournament starts at 9.  An awards ceremony ends the day at about 11:30am.

To register a team, contact Cardilli at 518-234-2576 or email her at lnyfms1@gmail.com.

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Literacy NY has trained volunteer tutors who work one-on-one with students, and the service is free.

Many students are seeking to earn a high school diploma, land a job or move up to a better job.

Although the services are free to students, Literacy NY has expenses, including offices in Cobleskill and Gloversville, a small staff and materials for students.