'Trivial Pursuit' to benefit Hampden Public Library

Date: 10/19/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



HAMPDEN -- Do you know a little about a lot? Do you want to help out a worthy cause? Put together a team and sign up for Trivial Pursuit Family Night at the Hampden Public Library.

Patty Ehlers, co-president of the Friends of the Hampden Library, announced that the fundraising competition will be taking place on Oct. 23 starting at 7 p.m. at Thornton W. Burgess Middle School.

"A couple of years ago we did 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' and tons of people showed up for that," Ehlers said. "We're twisting it up a little bit this time with Trivial Pursuit."

Teams of four will compete during Trivial Pursuit Family Night in the usual games categories -- history, arts and entertainment, culture and science. A separate sports round will take place for those interested in competing against the Hampden Sports Dream Team. The evening will be hosted by resident Rick Rubin and local celebrity judges will also be on hand.

Ehlers said there are currently seven teams signed up for the competition, but she'd like to see a few more. At least one adult and one child must be on each team, and the entry fee per team is $100, but to offset that cost, there are some sponsorships available. An audience only version of the game can be played as well -- adults cost $5, children ages six to 16 cost $3. The funds raised will benefit the library.

"We raised over $2,000 with '5th Grader,'" Ehlers noted. The money is used by the library to purchase new books, DVDs and special literary programs. The funds raised by events like Trivial Pursuit Family Night are especially useful because the library's budget has been cut by 25 percent in the past few years.

"We have to continue to advocate for libraries," Ehlers stated.

Prizes, such as trophies, gift cards and games from Hasbro, will be awarded to the winning teams.

"Maybe people feel like they don't know enough to play in a competition like this but you'd be surprised what you know," Ehlers said, adding with a laugh, "and you'd be surprised by your luck."

Refreshments will be available for purchase during the event.

For more information, visit the Hampden Public Library, located 625 Main St., or call Ehlers at 237-7061.