About one in five adults in Tarrant County cannot read at a fourth grade level. An additional 28 percent lack sufficient reading skills to earn a meaningful wage. This translates to almost half of the adult population in Tarrant County that does not have the literacy skills needed to get and keep a job that will pay a livable wage. More than half of the adults who are unable to read at a basic level grew up and attended school right here in Tarrant County. They speak English but are not functionally literate.

As a way to engage our community in ways to turn around this disturbing but correctable situation, the Rotary Club of Fort Worth is hosting a Corporate Spelling Bee on September 24, 2008, at the Fort Worth Club. "Queen Bee" Rosie Moncrief will serve as the honorary chair of this fun and informative event, which will feature teams of spellers from local companies and organizations who will compete for top prizes and the notoriety that's sure to follow.

Proceeds from the luncheon will help establish the Tarrant County Literacy Council, which also is being supported by efforts at the United Way of Metropolitan Tarrant County and other area nonprofit organizations that are committed to addressing the issues of adult literacy in our community.

"The Rotary Club of Fort Worth is made up of men and women who represent the county's leading companies, industries and organizations who are committed to Rotary's century-old tradition of service above self," said Jill "J.R." Labbe, the 2008 Corporate Spelling Bee chair. "These community leaders understand the link between an individual's ability to read and his or her quality of life. In addition, we all benefit as more adults improve their literacy skills and are able to rise on the employment ladder -- earning more, buying more and generating more tax revenue."

Three participation levels are available for those who wish to sponsor one or more teams in the competition. Additional information about each level of sponsorship is included in this packet. For more information about the Sept. 24 Corporate Spelling Bee, please contact Neva Williams or Lisa Kruczynski at the Rotary Club office at 817-332-7977.

Contact the Rotary Office for more information.

Neva Williams, Executive Director

(817) 332.7977 or neva@rotaryfortworth.org