Literary-savvy Villagers battled Saturday in a competition spanning the community.
Friends of the Tellico Village Library hosted the group’s third annual Road Rally 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunny and mild weather provided participating Villagers perfect views of fall colors as they journeyed from clue to clue.
“It’s a worthwhile activity,” Polly Roberts, who watched over one of the clues at the Tellico Community Playhouse, said. “People seem to have fun doing it, and it’s great for the library. They need all the money they can get their hands on.”
Those participating were given a sheet with 25 clues for locations ranging from the theater to neighborhood homes. Once sites were reached, Villagers were tasked with guessing the title of a literary work.
The works represented classic tales to modern bestsellers and could range in genre. Participants were not timed but were due to return their sheet 3-3:30 p.m. The team with the most correct clues won a prize.
Villagers could explore, find clues and maybe grab a bite of lunch on their way through the rally.
Billie Whitney, director of education outreach, was among those helping hand out packets and information.
Whitney said she participates in library fundraisers and works to support the effort to pay off the building’s mortgage.
“We’re one of the only libraries in the state of Tennessee that has to pay their own mortgage because we do not have a municipality to provide the building and the electricity and all the accoutrements that go with living in a library,” Whitney said. “I love reading, and I was a teacher, so I volunteer at the library in several different capacities.”
Barbara Ellerbrock was also helping distribute packets and explain the rally to participants. She said some of the clues for the fundraiser were beautiful, while others were silly.
Sandi Jorgensen, 2022 friends president, said the organization tries to come up with enjoyable ideas to raise money.
“We try very hard to make our fundraisers fun,” Jorgensen said. “We don’t want to just hold out our hand and say give us money. If we provide a fun afternoon or fun evening then people are getting something for their money. All of ours are concentrated on having fun.”
The event was one of many the nonprofit hosts to support the library and was the third largest of the year, Jorgensen said. She said numbers were down but some loyal people came out to enjoy the event.
Paula Webb, Lois Fusco, Dee Waters and Yinda McCoy participated as a group. Webb and Fusco were involved last year, while Water and McCoy had joined in the past.
Webb said the group planned not to overthink the clues. She said they try to support the library and enjoy the variety of fundraisers.
“We expect a good time,” Webb said.
Theresa Vranek participated with friends Whit Drake and Carolyn Moody Drake, who were in town visiting. When thinking of things to do, Vranek said she had seen a sign for the event and remembered she had done similar activities as a teenager.
“That was one of the reasons why I got the tickets because I figured even if they didn’t go, if they didn’t want to do it, it was still supporting the library,” Vranek said. “I’m just amazed that we have a wonderful library that we can come to and do online or come and pick out books and they’ve done wonderful events. I’ve come to some of the things that they’ve had in this past year. Loved them all.”
Moody Drake said they were highly competitive. With Vranek a former kindergarten teacher, Drake a resident history buff and Moody Drake in a book club and in the Barbara Bush Literacy Guild, she said they stood a chance of winning.
No matter the outcome, she said they love to support local causes.
“I just think literacy is a top concern of the nation because if you have people who can read from youngsters to the elders, you can go places,” Moody Drake said. “If you’re not able to travel, you can travel in a book and that’s the beauty of reading.”
