1st Annual Trivia Challenge Sept 25th

This month in honor of National Literacy Month, the Literacy Program of the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County is offering a creative new way to support literacy education. On Friday September 25th they will host the first Annual Trivia Challenge from 6-10 PM at the Civic Auditorium in downtown Santa Cruz. Trivia Buffs and literacy supporters are invited to join for an evening of food, drinks, raffles and trivia competition. Teams of three will test their knowledge against fellow competitors and the top three teams will be awarded plaques. John Laird will serve as the event Emcee and attendees are invited to come casual, glamorous, or in costume.

“This year as funding at the state and federal level has dropped significantly we were looking for a creative way to generate new funds for the program and the Trivia Contest seemed to be the perfect fit. Our tagline for the event is … Because literacy is the answer”, states Event Chair Susan Cabrera

Program funds are needed now more than ever. Literacy Program staff are facing a 30% budget shortfall. “ We currently have 177 students who have been matched with a volunteer tutor supporting them in their efforts to read, write, and speak English. Since it’s inception, this free program has taught over 10,000 individuals through one-on-one and group instruction and our students consistently rate 20% above state adult education standards. This is a record we are committed to maintaining and we hope the proceeds from the Trivia Event can help to sustain our program”, states Cabrera.

The Literacy Program’s mission is to stem the tide of illiteracy in the local community. According to a National Assessment of Adult Literacy over 13% of residents across Santa Cruz County lack basic literacy skills. As stated by the National Institute Pro Literacy, in the U.S 30 million people over age 16 — 14 percent of the country’s adult population — don’t read well enough to understand a newspaper story written at the eighth grade level or fill out a job application. Low literacy’s effects cost the U.S. $225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment.

“ We hope through the Trivia Challenge to outreach to a broader audience and bring much needed attention to the important value of literacy programs in our county”, states Volunteer Centers Executive Director Karen Delaney.

Registration is $300 per team of three which includes 3 free spectator tickets. Teams can register online or download a registration form at www.sctriviachallenge.com

Community members are invited to join the fun while making a difference for Literacy Education. Register a team, donate to the cause, or join as a spectator. Spectator tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Purchase in advance by visiting area stores including Logos Books SC, Capitola Book Cafe, Aptos Bookworks, or Crossroads Books Watsonville.

For more information contact (831) 427-507 or again visit www.sctriviachallenge.com