3RD Annual First Book-McLean County/Verizon Thinkfinity.org Spelling Bee October 8, 2009

The event will be held at Heartland Community College, Community Commons Building, room 1406-07. This community fund raising event benefits First Book-McLean County and all proceeds from this and every McLean County Advisory Board event stay local.

There are many sponsorship opportunities in addition to a team entry. Please help promote literacy in McLean County and get a team together for this fun event and a great cause! For more information on the Spelling Bee for Literacy, please visit our website www.firstbook.org/mcleancounty or call an event coordinator:
Mary Guinane-309-821-6161
Eric Robison-309-212-5910
Rob McDade-309-826-2211

First Book-McLean County’s goal is to ensure every at-risk child in McLean County has books to read and own. Although last year was a successful year, grants requests for over 300 children were not funded. The number of children living in poverty has grown from 2,601 in 1999 to over 4,800 in 2005 according to a US Census Bureau, Illinois Poverty Summit report. It would take nearly 60,000 books each year to meet the needs here in Central Illinois. Because of the great need, community support continues to be important.