“We’re a K-through-12 education foundation, so what better way to fundraise than spelling?” said Cyrilla Helm, executive director of the Foundation of Monroe County Schools.
Teams this year include Cook Medical, IU-Bloomington, Solution Tree, Baxter Inc., Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, Boston Scientific, Coffman Proactive CPA Services and TIS Inc.
“Our teams do a great job in having fun and being creative with this,” Helm said. “They’re all very competitive and all want to take home the title.”
The spelling bee’s master of ceremonies, John Whikehart, said the words contestants are asked to spell from the list of words Monroe County middle school students learn for their spelling bee.
“The words are easier than those used in the national spelling bee, but it’s also sometimes embarrassing when someone spells a sixth grade word wrong,” he said.
Past costumes include wizards, leisure suits and “Young Frankenstein” characters.
“The spelling bee is just a fun way for the whole Bloomington community to come together to dress up and support an incredible cause, he said.
The fundraiser has raised approximately $200,000 to date, and Helm said they expect to raise $40,000 at this year’s event.
The proceeds from the event are used to fund educational programs of the foundation such as the Grants to Equip, Inspire and Innovate, which provide teachers grants for educational needs in their classrooms and schools.
“This event is the backbone of our annual fundraising plan,” Helm said. “It enables us to impact the education of 10,900 students, and education is critical to the success of our children and our community.”
Courtney Wilson, a sophomore elementary education major, said she plans to attend the event.
“I want to support schools and educational opportunities in any way I can, especially because soon enough I’ll benefit from these fundraisers as a teacher,” Wilson said.
Tickets are $20 and available at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater box office.
