Scrabble For A Cause During This Hamptons “Fun”Raiser

If you have a way with words, especially when it comes to spelling, you’re not going to want to miss the Hampton Bays Middle School Scrabble Club’s 10th Annual Scrabble “Fun”Raiser on Sunday, March 8. The Hampton Bays Middle School Cafeteria will be packed with Scrabblers from 12 to 4:30 p.m.

However, this isn’t your average Scrabble. During the tournament, participants will compete as a team of two – duos can be two students, two adults or a mix – and each team will play three games. And, if they get stuck and need a little help, players can either purchase a vowel, choose to take a sneak a peek at the word list, or get a tip from an expert.

“Please come and sit for a ‘spell’ at the 10th Annual Hampton Bays Middle School Scrabble Club ‘FunRaiser,'” Kathy Hummel, who coaches the students, encouraged. “This event is open to the public and will raise funds for travel expenses for our 17th trip to the National School Scrabble Championship.”

11th grader Holly Anderson and 8th graders John Hilbert and Taylor Tureski will return to Nationals, while 5th graders John Anderson and Lee Brumagim and 7th graders Tessa Neri and Lily Tureski are competing for the first time. The 2020 North American School Scrabble Championship (NASSC) will be held in Baltimore, MD on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. Additionally, 6th graders Parker Molina, James Maroulas, and Sonny Scelfo and 7th grader Chris Clinton will compete at the New England School Scrabble Championship on Saturday, March 28 in Ridgefield, CT.

“The student players are excited to showcase their Scrabble skills, as well as use this opportunity to prepare for the competition,” Hummel noted. “This year’s competitors come from Hampton Bays, East Quogue and Southampton School Districts.”

Proceeds from the afternoon will help pay for the Club’s trip to the North American School Scrabble Championship.

“A lunch of soup, salad and sandwiches will be served,” Hummel shared about the benefit. “Pre-registered entrants will receive special word lists and helpful hints.”

The tournament is open to the community and anyone in 4th grade and older. Those that come without a partner will be paired with a teammate.

“Sponsors, to date, include Southampton Elks, Hampton Bays Rotary, Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Bays Lions, the Frost Family, Nancy Hilbert-Pampered Chef Consultant, the Ruocco/Maroulas Family, Brian and Susan Howard, Classic Beverage, Panera Bread and Scotto’s Pork Store,” Hummel added.

The suggested donation is $15 per person/$30 per team pre-registered; $20 per person/$40 per team at door, which includes lunch.

Teams can sign up at the door or pre-register with Kathy Hummel at 631-872-8434 or [email protected].

Hampton Bays Middle School Cafeteria is located at 70 Ponquogue Avenue in Hampton Bays.