ONE TO ONE Spelling Bee fundraiser returns to VanDusen this month
Team-based competition supports children's literacy programs across B.C. with catered lunch and silent auction.
ONE TO ONE Literacy is bringing back its signature fundraiser this month — a lunchtime spelling bee competition that's both seriously competitive and genuinely fun.
The event takes place Thursday, June 11 at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St., Vancouver) at 12:30 p.m. Teams of up to eight compete in a three-round spelling challenge for bragging rights and the knowledge that their ticket price goes directly toward reading support for students across B.C.
Beyond the spelling rounds, expect a catered lunch, a silent auction, and stories of impact from the organization's work. It's the first in-person iteration since 2019 — the event was born in 2005 and has become a reliable draw for corporate teams, friend groups, and solo competitors willing to take the stage.
The numbers underscore why the work matters: one in every 11 school children in B.C. needs extra help with reading confidence. ONE TO ONE currently provides support to over 1,600 students across 114 schools in 14 communities, with more than 500 tutors. Yet last year, teachers recommended nearly 50 per cent more students than the program had capacity to serve.
"Early intervention is key," the organization notes. This event is the chance to step away from your desk, test your spelling chops, and help close the literacy gap.
Tickets are $125 plus fees. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the Queen Bee ($10,000), Honey Bee ($5,000), and Worker Bee ($2,500) levels. Monthly donors receive a special ticket discount. All proceeds are tax-deductible and go toward ONE TO ONE's in-person and virtual tutoring programs.