Although the new school year is still several weeks away, some Plant City residents already have been hitting the books.
More than 30 business leaders will test their mental mettle at the Plant City Kiwanis Club’s Business Spelling Bee at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 1914 PCHS Community Building, 605 N. Collins St., Plant City.
“We’re very excited about it,” organizer David Wolf said.
Thirty-six businesses have signed employees up for the competition, including three floral shops, Family Care Center, American Ambulance Service, Hillsboro Bank and In the Field magazine.
“I’m not going to say people are excited,” Wolf said. “Many are petrified. I’ve had to talk them off a ledge, but it’s all in good fun.”
Plant City Times & Observer Editor Michael Eng also will be competing.
“Pressure-wise, there’s a lot on Michael Eng’s shoulders,” Wolf said. “As the editor of a newspaper, many people think he has the advantage.”
The competition will help raise money for Kiwanis’ Read Around the World campaigns. The club helps mentor students in reading, as well as gives books to students.
The club’s Stuff the Bus charity also will benefit. This year, the club is hopes to pack 710 backpacks with school supplies. They will then give the backpacks out to students in need at all Plant City-area elementary schools.
“We want to help them out with school supplies and things they need,” Wolf said. “Here in Plant City, we’re really focused on helping children, because they are the future.”
Tickets will be sold at the door for $10. If you bring one school supply item, the ticket price will be reduced to $5.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Plant City Kiwanis Business Spelling Bee
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6
WHERE: 1914 PCHS Community Building, 605 N. Collins St., Plant City
COST: $10; $5 with school supplies
CONTACT: David Wolf, (813) 717-9300 or david@haughtfuneralhome.comfrusemur.com