(Grafton, WI) – A crowd of beachcombers and intrepid spellers created an exciting evening on May 3 at Back to the BEEach, the annual spelling bee benefit for the Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County (ALC). Six teams competed for the coveted Spelling Bee trophy, while helping raise money for ALC’s individualized free tutoring programs.  More than 120 people watched returning champs, the David Has-Spell-offs, take the win with the word xenogamy at the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center in Grafton. The second place team was the Spell-icans from Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA.

 

“Each year, we’re amazed at the creativity of the teams and guests who embrace the benefit theme,” says ALC Board President Josh Branham. “More importantly, we are deeply grateful to the generosity of participants and sponsors who helped raise more than $23,000 in support of our tutors and students.”

 

Since 2017, the ALC has hosted the spelling bee benefit, sponsored by local businesses and community organizations.  This year’s major sponsors were Insurance Innovations, Sommer’s Automotive group and community leaders Jan and Bob Blazich.  O’Leary Guth Law Offices and KKomfort each sponsored a team, while Dr. Gary Walters of Ozaukee Eye Care gave a generous gift to kick off the event mission appeal. Lead gifts by Coerper Mauer Foundation, Levy & Levy Attorneys at Law, O’Connor Wealth Management, Port Washington State Bank, and Shaffer Development helped spur individual donors to exceed the goal, contributing more than $9,000 to the overall monies raised.

 

“Benefits take many volunteers and helping hands,” says ALC Executive Director Amy Schmelzer. “We were fortunate to have had a committee and board that took charge of different elements to make the event a success.  I am indebted to everyone who helped make the event possible.”