Spelling Bee Raises $50,000 for Literacy

Clarksville's adult spelling bee raised approximately $50,000 for Imagination Library, a children's book-gifting program.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy

Photograph of a vintage microphone stand alone on a wooden stage in a historic brick hall, lit by warm afternoon light through tall windows. — Clarksville's adult spelling bee raised approximately $50,000 for Imagination Library, a children's book-gifting program serving Montgomery County children from birth to age five. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The 2026 Bee-Lieve in Literacy: Adult Spelling Bee Showdown was held at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in Clarksville, combining a reception and silent auction with a spelling bee. The event raised approximately $50,000 for Imagination Library of Montgomery County.

Why it matters

The fundraiser supports Imagination Library, which serves children from birth until age five in Montgomery County. Kiwanis Club of Clarksville sponsored the event to support literacy in the community.

The event raised approximately $50,000 for Imagination Library, with the Kiwanis Club of Clarksville contributing $12,000 as Queen Bee Sponsor. No prior-year fundraising figure was reported for comparison.

The players

Kiwanis Club of Clarksville

A local service organization that sponsors community programs and served as Queen Bee Sponsor for the spelling bee, donating $12,000.

Imagination Library of Montgomery County

A local branch of the national Imagination Library program that mails free books to children from birth until age five.

The details

Local teams competed on stage in the spelling bee, which was preceded by a reception and silent auction. Kimberly Wiggins and Kevin Kennedy co-hosted the event, with Jim Durrett, Janet Wilson, and Lee Erwin serving as judges.

Event held at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in Clarksville; exact date not specified in the source.
Story published November 4, 2026.

Philanthropy Context

The event extends the local funding model used by Imagination Library, a program founded by Dolly Parton that depends partly on community sponsors to cover its per-child book costs in each county. Community fundraisers like this one supply part of that local match.

Residents who want to support early literacy can contribute to local Imagination Library efforts or attend future community fundraisers. Families with children under five in Montgomery County can enroll in the program at no cost.

The takeaway

Community fundraisers like this one help keep free early literacy programs running for young children. Supporting local literacy efforts is a practical way for residents to strengthen early reading skills in their own community.