The Literacy Council of Tyler already has broken records this year with its annual fundraiser, the Corporate Spelling Bee.

“We are so excited,” Ellen Krafve, director of development, said. “The Spelling Bee committee worked hard to streamline the event and build on its past success. They identified growth potential and took action so we could see an increase in community awareness and ultimately serve even more students.”

More than 500 people will participate in the fundraiser. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Green Acres CrossWalk Center in Tyler.

In addition to a record attendance this year, the event will surpass its $50,000 goal by a record amount to be revealed at the bee.

The event will have a record 17 teams competing for the trophy, including Booher Engineering, Brookshire Grocery Co., Henry and Peters, Ingersoll Rand/Trane, Leigh Oliver’s, Meadow Lake Senior Living Community, Mentoring Minds, Prothro Wilhelmi, South Tyler Rotary, Southside Bank, Suddenlink-Midsouth, Suddenlink-Texoma, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, Tyler ISD, Tyler Junior College, Tyler Morning Telegraph and Wilson, Robertson & Cornelius Law Firm.

“Even though there are more teams, our creative committee strived to ensure that time wouldn’t be an issue; we want everyone who can to come and cheer for their friends,” Ms. Krafve said.

The event, presented by Tyler Morning Telegraph and Mentoring Minds, is celebrating its 23rd year. New to the bee this year are its slogan, “Only fun people allowed!” and its theme: Broadway Musicals. Attendees are encouraged to dress up like their favorite musical characters.

David Stein will return as the emcee with Vel Williamson (East Texas Symphony Orchestra), Donald Duncan (Tyler Civic Choral), and George Faber (Faber and Friends) serving as judges. Mike Starr will be the pronouncer.

Admission to the Spelling Bee is $30. Because of limited seating, it is advised tickets be purchased ahead of time by calling 903-533-0330.

This year’s Corporate Spelling Bee Committee was comprised of the following community leaders: Chairwoman Andrea Anderson, Reece Anderson, Kathy Babin, Rebecca Berkley, Anissa Centers, Ann Curry, Shannon Dacus, Ebonye Delaney, Jennifer Gaston, Shannon Glenney, Tamala Hays, Joyce Hudnall, Trina Jones, Hillary and Richard Kile, Cathy Krafve, Will Krafve, Lisa and Michael Lujan, Tish McGuire, Donna Metke, Yaziri Orrostieta, Dawn Parnell, Margaret Perkins, Sue Saxenmeyer, Rebecca Smith, Lindsay Traff, Hannah Walker and Katiera Winfrey.