Third Annual Spelling Bee to be held February 1

On Friday February 1 at 7:30 PM community residents of all ages will swarm to the Scarsdale High School auditorium (Brewster Road entrance) for the third annual Friends of the Scarsdale Library Adult and Teen Spelling Bee. Veteran teams will compete against such newcomers as Scarsdale High School teacher Dominique Padurano and two of her students. At the end of the night, the community's best spellers will be recognized with accolades and Kindle Fire HD's.

The fun starts when the doors open at 7:00 PM for the silent auction and raffles. Notable auction items include an eight-week TestTakers SAT prep course valued at $1995, an iPad 4 valued at $730, a one-year family membership to LIFE – The Place to Be valued at $325, and heavy duty Le Creuset enamel cookware valued at $350. Raffle prizes include SoulCycle classes, passes to Grand Prix NY go-kart racing, baskets of children's games, and more.

Audience members will be regaled not only by the mental gymnastics displayed onstage, but also by trivia quizzes served up between rounds. Ed Coleman, the voice of the New York Mets, will once again play emcee. NY Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Mayor Miriam Levitt Flisser and Library Teen Advisory Board Co-Chair Rachel Josselsohn will serve as judges.

Proceeds from the Spelling Bee will be used to create a "business center" at the Library providing a range of office equipment that will serve the needs of many constituencies, including home-office professionals, small-business owners, members of volunteer organizations, senior citizens and students. The equipment may include a banner maker, cutting-edge copier, laminating machine, photo printer, and more depending on the amount of funds raised.

Businesses and individuals who are interested in sponsoring the Bee by making a donation of $250 or more should contact Renu Lalwani at 472-4310. The Friends are grateful for the generous support received from the sponsors of the Spelling Bee. To date, sponsors at the Diamond Level are Houlihan Lawrence, and Sara and Richard Werder. At the Gold Level, sponsors are Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty, Mercedes-Benz of White Plains, Paul Hastings LLP, Renu and Anil Lalwani, and Margaret and Larry Smith. In addition, anyone can become a "Friend of the Bee" by making a donation of any amount. A donation form is available at the Friends of the Library website.

Admission to the Spelling Bee is $5, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Cash and checks will be accepted for raffle tickets and silent auction bids. The snow date will be Friday, March 1.