23rd Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee

To Benefit Ready to Read

Event Details

Wednesday, November 19 | 6:30–8:30 pm | Fetzer Center, WMU

Join us for this wacky and wild fundraising opportunity for Ready to Read. 100% of the dollars raised will be used to purchase gift books for children in Kalamazoo County.

Teams of eight compete for the top spot in this speed spelling, song-singing, silly event! If you are interested in sponsoring, download our sponsorship packet.

• Teams of eight adults (two courageous spellers and six outrageous fans)
• Prizes awarded for:
  • Best Spelling
  • Most Enthusiastic Cheer
  • Most Creative Cheer
  • Audience Favorite
• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
• Professional photographer on site to capture the action!
• Spectator Tickets: $35 each

Download the study guide

Be a Sponsor!

Ways to Sponsor Ready to Read PDF

• Sponsor with a donation of any amount. Please download the PDF above for details.
• Sponsor at the Bronze ($500) level or higher and you may opt to send a team to participate!

For more information, please contact the Ready to Read program coordinator at [email protected] or (260) 553-7885. Visit kpl.gov/r2r to learn more. Make checks payable to Kalamazoo Public Library and send to: 315 South Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. You may also pay online below or contact us to arrange an invoice.

Thank you to the Sponsors of the 2025 bee:

Friends of Kalamazoo Public Library, WMUK, this is a bookstore & Bookbug for Round Up for Reading, Ladies Library Association (Marge Kars, Sharon Carlson, Mary Doud, Paula Jamison, and Janet Symons), Bronson Rambling Road Pediatrics, Friendship Village, Geoffrey Grambau, Gretchen and Rita LaReau Memorial Fund at the Community Foundations, NowKalamazoo, RiverRunPress, Scholastic, Susan Warner, Hartleb Insurance Agency, Chery Tenbrink, Lisa Godfrey, Psi Iota Xi, Valerie Wright, Kori Jock, Air Zoo, Erbelli’s, K-Wings Hockey, Jill Lansky, Janice Nephew, Grayling Ceramics, Bell’s Brewery, Henry Ford Museum, Millenium Restaurant Group, Kalamazoo County Talking is Teaching, Gull Meadow Farms, Cane’s, Kalamazoo Candle Company, Kalamazoo Public Library’s Idea Lab

Online Payment

Questions and Inquiries

Ready to Read
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (269) 553-7885