Wordsmiths raise funds at Scrabble-thon

Competitors at last year's Scrabble-thon raised 
$11,000 for computers, books, literacy field trips and 
mentoring programs.
Competitors at last year's Scrabble-thon raised $11,000 for computers, books, literacy field trips and mentoring programs. — Photo courtesy of Rebecca Pearsey

DETAILS

Scrabble-thon

What: Fundraiser for Escondido Public Library's Literary Services

When: 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave., Escondido

Admission: Free for spectators.

Information: (760) 747-2233 or escondido.org/library/literacy

— “It's fast-moving, double elimination, and if you lose two games, you're done,” said Josephine Jones, director of the library's Literacy Services department, the sponsor.

The games will be timed at 20 minutes each and governed by the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.

Jones is expecting the biggest turnout in the event's history because high school students will now have their own division in which to win a perpetual trophy.

San Marcos, Mission Hills, Orange Glen and San Pasqual high school teams are expected to compete.

Yvonne Brett, a librarian at San Marcos High School, was on the team that won the tournament last year. She has turned her love of the game into an after-school habit for students at the school. Many of those students will be attending the tournament this year.

The competition began five years ago when the library's Literacy Services department was looking for a promotional project and chose a Scrabble-thon. It has become its signature event.

Whether high school student or retiree, participants all have one thing in common: a love of vocabulary.

“It is one of the best ways I know to get a good command of vocabulary,” Jones said. “And additionally, it is another way to promote literacy services to people who would not normally come into the library.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward computers, books, literacy field trips and mentoring programs staffed by volunteers. Last year, the event raised $11,000.

“With all the budget cuts, this is especially important,” Brett said. “It's not a ton, but it's a good spirit booster for the community.”

Brett, who recently joined the library's literacy board, said it's not only children, but also parents who need assistance developing their reading skills. Often the key to creating a ripple effect in literacy is to ensure that parents value reading, she said.

“A literate community is a productive community, and when kids see their parent coming in, it lets them know that education is important,” Jones said.

Julie Lopez, a member of the National Scrabble Association, was part of the winning team as well as the individual winner last year.

“I've played in Scrabble tournaments all over the country, and it seemed to me that people at the (Escondido) tournament were people that actually just enjoy playing Scrabble and wanted to support the literacy cause,” Lopez said.

Registration for the competition has closed. Single competitors paid $30; a team of four paid $100.

Spectators are welcome, and can watch the competition free and buy a meal for a small fee. Play begins at 9 a.m. in the Family Center at Emmanuel Faith Community Church.

Silent auction tickets will be available for $1 and $5, with prizes donated by local businesses. Lunch will be sponsored by the local Vons, Ralphs and Trader Joe's.

Rebecca Pearsey is a freelance writer who lives in Escondido.

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