Literacy Coalition hosted inaugural Alexandra G. Kogut Spell-a-Palooza
(Utica, NY – Sept. 26, 2014) Spelling bees were buzzing at the Alexandra G. Kogut Spell-a-Palooza, a fundraiser for the Literacy Coalition of Herkimer & Oneida Counties. Local celebrities took on fifth graders in a spelling bee at Daniele’s at Valley View.
The event brought in more than $10,000 for the Literacy Coalition of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, which will help them to continue working on preparing kids for school, getting more adults their high school equivalency diploma and advocating for literacy.
Among the celebrity spellers were:
Anthony J. Picente Jr., Oneida County Executive
Evon M. Ervin, Deputy Director, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency
Steve McMurray, WKTV Anchor and General Manager
Sean (S.) Morrelle, KISS FM DJ
Michelle Truett, Graphic Designer & Baggs Square Association
Bill Perrotti, MVCC Professor
Brenda Episcopo, CEO, United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area
Harrison Hummel IV, COO, Hummel’s Office Plus
The event featured a silent auction and guests had the opportunity to pay to increase or decrease difficulty for the contestants.
The winners of the spelling bee contest were MVCC Professor Bill Perrotti and 5th graders Sarku Chit from Columbus Elementary School in Utica and Megan Brinck from Westmoreland Road Elementary School in Whitesboro.
Anyone interested in learning more about the work of the Literacy Coalition is encouraged to contact Lara Sepanski Pimentel, executive director, at (315) 733-4691 x. 243 or larasp@unitedwaygu.org.