Community 'spells' success: READ Ottawa to host 8th annual Scrabble fundraising event
READ Ottawa has officially announced its 8th Annual Scrabble Event, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles 925 in Grand Haven.
GRAND HAVEN — Local wordsmiths are preparing to put their vocabulary to the test for a cause.
READ Ottawa has officially announced its 8th Annual Scrabble event, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles 925 in Grand Haven.
The tournament, which kicks off at 6 p.m., serves as a vital fundraiser for the region’s adult literacy initiatives. As the only nonprofit in Ottawa County providing free, one-on-one adult tutoring, the organization relies on this signature event to sustain its mission of improving reading, writing, and language skills for local residents.
The evening promises a blend of strategy and philanthropy. For a registration fee of $120, teams of two to four players will receive entry into two competitive rounds of Scrabble, a full dinner and access to a cash bar, and eligibility for various prizes and a high-stakes silent auction.
Beyond the tiles and triple-word scores, the event’s primary focus remains on the learners. Proceeds directly fund educational resources and tutoring programs designed to help adults unlock better career opportunities and achieve personal milestones.
“Our Scrabble Tournament is more than just a fun night out — it’s a powerful way for our community to come together and invest in literacy,” said Vicki Ellis, executive director of READ Ottawa. “Every dollar raised helps provide critical tutoring and support for adult learners right here in Ottawa County.”
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The organization emphasizes literacy as a cornerstone of community strength, impacting everything from workplace productivity to family stability. By hosting an event that celebrates language, READ Ottawa hopes to highlight the challenges faced by the 1 in 10 adults who struggle with basic literacy.
How to get involved
READ Ottawa is seeking participants, corporate sponsors and donations for the silent auction.
- When: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23
- Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles 925, 20 N. Second St., Grand Haven
- Registration: givebutter.com/READOttawaScrabble2026
— Submitted by READ Ottawa. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.