BRATTLEBORO — The 2009 spelling champ team “To Bee or Not to Bee” won the top prize at the third annual Spell Check! A Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups, held on Saturday on the main stage of the Latchis Theatre.
More than 200 people watched “To Bee or Not to Bee,” a team from the New England Youth Theatre composed of Rick Barron, Jerry Stockman, and Lisa Cox, defeat 14 other teams to win not only bragging rights but also the opportunity to display its team name or short phrase on the Latchis Theatre marquee.
Each team raised at least $200 each to compete.
Between sponsorships and admission fees, the event raised over $4,000 to benefit the Brattleboro Arts Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and well-being of the Latchis Hotel and Theatre, and to the advancement of the arts in the region.
“We're pretty pleased,” said BAI Managing Director Gail Nunziata.
Master of Ceremonies Tom Bodett, Beekeeper Jim Maxwell, Judge Archer Mayor, Round Caller Alfred Hughes, and Little Bee Lila Flynn entertained the audience as more than 60 words were spelled or misspelled. Before the championship round, more than 20 raffle prize winners were announced. The raffle prizes had been donated by local businesses and individuals.