BEE Her Freedom

IMG_0837Mary-McClain Colgrove, President of the Demopolis Middle School Jr. Beta Club and Alabama’s Teen ambassador for  the Dress a Girl Around the World organization, is doing her part to raise awareness on human trafficking.  The 13 year old, along with the Jr. Beta Club members, are putting together an all adult team spelling bee competition. The money raised will be donated to Shared Hope International and the A 21 Campaign,  in assistance to abolish human trafficking.

The competition will be held at the Demopolis High School Auditorium Tuesday,  November the 5th at 6:30 pm. Each team will consist of three players in themed costumes. Besides the grand prize to the team that wins the Bee, there will be prizes and awards given for best costumes, most team spirit, and most giving team. “Along with raising awareness on human trafficking, which I am very passionate about, it’s gonna be a lot of fun to participate in and watch as well,” stated Mary-McClain.

Colgrove first became aware of human trafficking about a year ago when Demopolis native, Sydney Hasty returned from a mission trip to Uganda. “She told us that girls around my age were never seen in the street because they had been taken up by people who sold them into slavery. I just couldn’t imagine what that would be like if it were me. I would want someone looking for me,” stated Colgrove.

Armed with her knowledge and organizational authority, she is starting a mission to do all she can to stop this criminal offense, which is growing now in the United States. Mary-McClain told me that human trafficking is the second largest criminal offense effecting 27 million world wide.

Mary-McClain hopes to have 10 teams sign up for the Bee, which would raise at least $6,000 for her two organizations.

Seven teams have already signed up. Among them are Coach Tom Causey, Dr. Al Griffin, Coach Blaine Hathcock, Vince Deas, Lori Mackey, the Chu Clinic and Laurie Hall.

There will also be a silent auction with the money raised going to help the Jr. Beta Club students attend the State Convention. Contact Meggin Mayben at 334-341-7577 if you would like to donate to the auction.

Doors open to the public at 6 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

For more information, rules and regulations, sign up form and more, please click here.