More than $46,000 has been raised for annual Read To Succeed fundraiser, the Celebrity Spelling Bee, which is less than a week away.

Bee Sponsorship Co-Chair Shawn McFarland said the spelling bee is getting close to reaching its goal for funding.

All of the funds from the event stay in Rutherford County and support Read To Succeed’s adult tutoring program, in-school family literacy programs, English as a second language classes, and dozens of other events in the community aimed at promoting reading.

WGNS’ Bart Walker will be the pronouncer, with Diane Mackey, Gloria LaRoche, and John Rodgers judging.

Tickets to the spelling bee and dinner by Macaroni Grill are $50 per person and can be purchased online at celebritybee.readtosucceed.org. Donations of any size are encouraged even for those who cannot attend.

For more information on the Celebrity Spelling Bee, to donate or to purchase tickets, visit www.readtosucceed.org or call 615-738-7323.