The United Way for Spoon River Country has scheduled their first trivia bowl for 2011. It is being held Saturday, February 19th at the American Legion in Cuba, beginning at 6pm. Diana Fuller, Director of the United Way explains, “We had so much fun with the Trivia Bowl events this past year, we raised money to help the agencies we support, and were able to donate non-perishable food items to the local food pantries.” The United Way wanted to thank each of the teams that showed their support by participating and bringing donations for the local food pantry. Fuller says, “We had many teams that participated in all three trivia bowls, and are thankful for each team that came to support us. Not only did they make the event fun and full of laughter, but they really made the trivia bowls an excellent fundraiser for us.”

Registration for the event is $100 per team, and there can be up to ten players on each team. Teams may bring snacks to the event; the American Legion just asks that drinks be purchased there. Fuller explains, “ Snacks have become a staple at the Trivia Bowls, teams bring tables full of goodies, ranging from deli trays, pretzels, chips and dip, cookies, and cakes. They never cease to amaze me with the fantastic food they bring.” The competition will consist of ten rounds of questions. Also returning to the event will be the Oops! Cards. For those not familiar, Oops! Cards can be purchased for $5 each and one can used each round to replace an unknown answer, for all of the teams who have participated, these have been a lifesaver. Last but certainly not least, the United Way will continue with their food drive at the trivia bowl. Teams will be asked to bring a donation of two non-perishable food items per team member, and everyone in the community is asked to participate as well. Donations can be dropped off at the United Way office, 45 East Side Square, suite 307 in Canton, or at the American Legion at 417 E Main St in Cuba. All donations will be taken to the local food pantry in Cuba, and with the pantries seeing a great increase of clients in need; they could really use the extra help.

“We would really like to continue this event, and as long as we have the support, we will. Many teams who participate in the trivia bowls express to United Way board members and myself just how much fun they had. It is friendly competition that allows friends, family, and co-workers come together for a good cause.” Fuller says. Not only do individuals put together teams, but also there are also local businesses, organizations, and church groups that organize teams. If you would like to register a team, please contact Diana Fuller at (309) 647-1825 or email her at untdway@sbcglobal.net. Registration ends on February 14th, 2011, and there will be a limited amount of space available for teams as there have been teams from the last trivia bowl already register, so please contact Diana Fuller as soon as possible.

Fuller adds, “With all of the negative economic news and declining donations, this is an easy way to help support the twelve partner agencies, which the United Way supports.” Those agencies are, Boy Scouts of America, Camp Big Sky, Catholic Charities, Fulton County Girl Scouts, Fulton-Mason Crisis Service, Habitat for Humanity, K.A.R.E., Red Cross, The Salvation Army, YMCA, Youth Acres, and YWCA. Within those twelve agencies, the United Way for Spoon River Country helps fund twenty programs that touch everyone in Fulton County.