A team of three faculty members from Darlington will join doctors, community leaders, business owners, lawyers, professors and others to raise money and awareness of child abuse at the 7th Annual Harbor House Adult Spell Off on Feb. 27.
To Bee or Not to Bee, a team led by ELA-8 Dean of Students Jennifer Helbing ('98), hopes to reclaim the spelling bee championship title that was last won in 2013 with the word cassiopeian. This year she will be joined again by Associate Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer and English Department Chairwoman Beth Wilson.
"As a detailed-oriented person, I love spelling. It has always come naturally. I like the challenge," said Helbing. "The real reason that I participate, though, is to be a part of a cause and an event that truly helps others, and to help broaden awareness of child abuse."
To Bee or Not to Be will join over 14 other teams on the stage of the Historic DeSoto Theatre to spell their hearts out. The winner of the Spell Off will gain bragging rights to the title of "Rome-Floyd County Spelling Champs."
Money raised from ticket sales and sponsorships will help support the mission of the Rome-based Harbor House. Funds will also be raised by casting votes for a favorite team by visiting the Harbin Clinic Web site where users can donate money through a secure payment method. To vote for Darlington's team, click here.
The Darlington ladies have one message for their opponents: "Bee afraid. Bee VERY afraid."
And one of their opponents is actually a colleague. Tannika Wester of Darlington's Communication Office will be competing on behalf of the Sexual Assault Center of NWGA Board of Directors.
"Harbor House provides really important services for children in our community and I'm excited about participating in their fundraiser for the first time this year," said Wester. "Of course I'd love for my team, Takin' Care of BEEzness, to win the coveted championship belt, but I'll be just as content if Darlington's team brings it home!"
Harbor House is an advocacy organization for children, providing a child-friendly environment to help families navigate through child abuse investigation. The center also coordinates programs for at-risk families to stop abuse before it happens and intervenes when necessary to conduct interviews with alleged victims. Support groups are also offered to families that have been affected by child abuse.
The Spell Off has been able to bring to light the plight of children who are the victims of sexual and physical abuse, helping the general public to better understand and acknowledge the existence of these forms of violence in the Rome-Floyd County community and beyond.
Click here for more information about the Harbor House Spell Off and how to buy tickets.
Click here for more information about Harbor House, the Northwest Georgia Child Advocacy Center.
The 7th Annual Harbor House Adult Spell Off returns to the Historic DeSoto Theatre on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, and students 18 years old and under get in for free.
