Annual event reawakens Bridgerland Literacy
After budget cuts, losing office space and losing its director last fall, Bridgerland Literacy essentially shut down. Advocates for the program received a surprise second-chance when ads for their annual fundraiser, the Scrabble Scramble, appeared in the Herald Journal a few weeks ago.
The former director paid for and placed ads in the newspaper previous to budget cuts. Once the ads appeared, some people who loved the tournament and the organization decided to pull together and make it happen.
“This event is Bridgerland Literacy’s single greatest fundraising opportunity of the year,” publicity chair Arrin Brunson said. “One small act can help so much and the tournament is a way for people to have a good time and contribute to something that serves a very big role in the community.”
Bridgerland Literacy is a program in Cache Valley dedicated to helping people who don’t know how to read learn and expand their skills. Prior to budget cuts, the program was a free public service to those who needed help. Now the program has moved to Bridgerland Applied Technology College, and a $20 tuition fee is required of students to keep the program running.
“It’s really sad to think there are people around us who can’t read their kids a bedtime story,” Brunson said. “Some of these people can’t even fill out a job application and it’s usually not something they’re real comfortable talking about.”
Brunson said the money from this fundraiser will cover BATC’s tuition requirement so Bridgerland Literacy can maintain its mission to provide free reading instruction to those in need.
The sixth annual Scrabble Scramble is taking place Jan. 29 in rooms 205 and 207 of the Eccles Conference Center. Many of the participants, like Brunson, come back every year to support the cause of Bridgerland literacy.
Last year the event had more than 100 participants and this year no one will be turned away. The price to register teams this year is $50 and a requested donation from spectators is $5. These are cheaper prices than in years past, but Brunson said the organization will be happy with whatever money is raised.
Each team is made of three people – two players and one scorekeeper. The team plays three timed rounds of Scrabble for the tournament. At the end of the night, totals are calculated and winners are announced.
Laura Oppermann has played in the tournament every year since it has begun.
“My favorite part of the fundraiser is meeting other people who love to play Scrabble,” Oppermann said. “You don’t have to be a great player to participate. The night is just a lot of fun.”
Participants come from different professions and groups but each enjoy competing with one another. Oppermann found out about the tournament when the Logan City Library contacted a member of her book club, while Brunson began participating with a team of co-workers from the Salt Lake Tribune.
“We have a healthy competition going with the other news outlets at the event,” Brunson said. “We go after each other in a fun way. It’s just about the trash talk and teasing each other.”
Community members who have not registered a team are still welcome to sign up at the door and attend the event. There will be activities going on in addition to the actual tournament.
A silent auction will be held for dozens of items donated by local businesses. Refreshments will be served, and the movie “Like Stars on Earth” will be playing in the auditorium. In addition, there will be a giant Scrabble board where spectators can buy letters and win prizes.
Brunson said awards are given out for more than just the highest score.
“We’ll be looking for people to give prizes to,” Brunson said. “We’ve thought about giving some for the most superlative, the funniest, the life of the party. We even discussed giving a Scrabble dictionary to the team with the lowest score so they can practice for next year.”
There are also judges at the event to settle disputes between teams. Bruce Copeland has been the official judge every year of the tournament, and he takes the job very seriously, Brunson said.
“The rules of Scrabble are very particular,” Brunson said. “It’s just like when you play at home but more cut-throat. For example, once you place a tile on the board and remove your finger, you can’t take it up again.”
Brunson went on to say this year’s event should be a great time for lovers of words from all ages and backgrounds.
“It takes a lot of people to put on this event,” Brunson said. “We invite everyone to join us for this great cause and great evening.”
– m.noble@aggiemail.usu.edu