What: The Very First Ever Central Oregon Scrabble® Tournament

Why: This fund-raising event is an opportunity for Central Oregonians, businesses, and organizations to help support literacy in Central Oregon. Tournament proceeds will help fund Central Oregon literacy programs.

The event organizer, Oregon Literacy, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Tax ID 93-0573762), and contributions may be tax deductible. For more information, click this link for a PDF, it will open in a new window.

Where: Mazatlan Restaurant, 1302 S. Highway 97, Redmond, Oregon. Click here for directions.

When: April 26, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Who: Anyone interested in supporting Central Oregon literacy programs. All ages welcome.

How will the Scrabble® tournament support Central Oregon Literacy?
Funds raised will be directed to Central Oregon literacy programs, including the newly expanded English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Initiative. This program will focus on helping community–based organizations serve English learners through volunteer-driven tutoring.

How does a team Scrabble® tournament work?
We have room for 10 two-person teams. In team play, each side has one rack of tiles and the team members agree on the words played. We will use standard Scrabble® rules, with each team tracking its own score. The Official Scrabble® Dictionary, Fourth Edition, is the official arbiter of word challenges. Each team will play two games of Scrabble®. In Game 1 competing teams are chosen at random. In Game 2, the two highest scoring teams play one another; third and fourth-highest scorers play one another, and so on.

Are there prizes?
Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place teams. We will also provide an encouraging prize to the last-place team.

Can a business be a sponsor or make donations to the tournament?
We are seeking sponsors at any level. A basic $100 sponsorship entitles the sponsor to a single entry fee, along with including their name in event advertising. We also accept in-kind and cash donations.

What if don’t play Scrabble®?
If you are not a Scrabble® player or are unable to attend our event, you may wish to support literacy through a cash donation.

Can I register at the door?
Yes, although we recommend preregistration because space is limited. You may register online or contact Troy at Oregon Literacy by phone at 503.244.3898 or if you're outside the Portland/Metro Area 1.800.322.8715 or by email at troy@oregonliteracy.org.

If you have more questions
Please contact Mary Yocom of Redmond, Oregon, is the local event organizer. If you have questions about registration, sponsorship, or donations, please contact Mary at 541-548-2930, or E-mail MYocom6689@aol.com.