SAVE THE DATE

             Have you heard? Do you know? Is it on Facebook yet? Twitter? YouTube? Well, it’s on the website and advancing to its place in cyberspace. What is it? News that will make you sit up and listen. Knock you off your feet! Make you want to get involved!

             Here it is: Spell Ball is coming March 27, at the Joplin High School 11^th & 12^th Grade Center in Northpark Mall! Same fantastic set-up of three people on a team, team entry fee $150, word list given out ahead of time, both championship and consolation brackets, but at the marvelous Senior High venue—a treat in itself.

             What a great family night to bring the kids, indulge in some wonderful food (catered by a well-known restaurant), observe fabulous spelling matches, buy great gift items in the silent auction, and cheer on your team to win. All of that and knowing you’re conquering the cycle of low literacy—bringing the joy of reading to individuals and families. All proceeds go to benefit Joplin NALA Read in its program to enable people to advance in accessing all their options, whether improving their reading, math, or English as a second language.

             You can participate in Spell Ball in various ways. We will need volunteers on the spelling teams first of all, so be of good courage and step up to the plate. (Just as baseball has designated hitters, so your team can have a “designated speller.”)  You will receive the spelling list, a set of rules, and our sincere thanks.  We will also need volunteers to direct teams to the right rooms, volunteers to pitch the words or keep track of time during the actual games, volunteers to take the final score to the person in charge, and volunteers to cheer teams on. We’ll even be glad to let you be a spectator, browse the silent auction items and just enjoy the evening with your family.

             Also, you can volunteer before the event! You can donate silent auction items – distribute flyers about Spell Ball – contact companies to sponsor or field a team – advertise in your group of friends and acquaintances. Just contact us at (417) 782-2646 or email at joplinnala@123mail.org to let us know your intentions.

             Together we can conquer the problems faced by those who do not read well, those who are learning English as their second or third language, and those who need to brush up on their math skills. Together we can help Joplin folks rebuild their lives for the future.

 See you at Spell Ball.

Marj Boudreaux, Director Joplin NALA Read