Spell-E-Bration returns after three-year pause

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the Shelton nonprofit Sound Learning will stage its popular fundraiser Spell-E-Bration June 17 at the Shelton Civic Center.

About 10 teams of three spellers, some in colorful outfits, will showcase their skills during the spelling bee.

Each team is sponsored by a business or group. The event features a silent and live auction, loads of desserts and other food, some light-hearted banter between the teams and the judges - sometimes "bribes" are offered in full view of the audience - and most importantly, money raised to help adults become more literate.

"It's a fundraiser, but it's a party," said Shannon Klasell, executive director of Sound Learning. The event will also "celebrate and honor people who have been supporting us through this difficult time," she added.

The silent auction begins at 5 p.m., and the spelling bee begins at 6 p.m. Face masks are not required, but will be available.

The correct spelling of "bromeliads" was the winning word in the most recent Spell-E-Bration in May 2019. The team The Suffragettes & Gents, sponsored by the Faith Lutheran Church Women, nailed that word to defeat The Good Neighbors team sponsored by Melanie Bakala's State Farm Insurance branch in the 25th event. Jeff Bickford, Cheryl Williams and Connie Simpson were the winning trio.

Bromeliads are a species of North and American plants known for brightly colored leaves and flowers of fruit. The pineapple is a prime example.

Spell-E-Bration is the biggest fund-raiser for the Shelton-based nonprofit group, which was founded 31 years ago. Staff members and volunteers help educate adults in reading, math, computer literacy, HS21-Plus and GED preparation, and English for speakers of other languages.

The winning team from 2019 is returning, as is a trio of Voskuhl.

At the 2019 contest, The Voskuhl Family Spellers were memorably eliminated in the second round after Justin and Sara Voskuhl rejected their mother Clair's correct spelling of "susceptible" to spell it wrong.

"They will be back with their mother to redeem themselves," Klasell said.

The auction items include ticket packets to attend games of the Tacoma Rainiers, art, handmade quilts, excursions with Vance Rail Riders, and more.

During the "Cash Swarm," attendees donate money to pay for items such as rent for the Shelton Learning Center, a part-time instructor, instruction books, sheets of paper and other learning materials.