Sylvania-based Root Inc. wins The Blade's annual spelling bee for 4th time

10/17/2013
BLADE STAFF

Sylvania-based consultants Root Inc. became four-time winners of The Blade’s 26th Annual Corporate and Community Spelling Bee contest held today at Best Western in downtown Toledo.

The event, which drew more than 54 corporate and community teams, raised $70,000 in cash and $25,000 of in-kind donations that will benefit Read for Literacy’s adult and child literacy programs, officials said. The 2012 event raised $54,780.

Michelle Prand, director of Root Inc.’s Information Systems, said her company has been participating in the spelling bee competition for years because “it’s part of our giving back to our community.”

The group, which included company editors Alma MacDougal, Kristen Fritz and Laura Drouillard, said they never prepare for the contest because there’s no way to know what words might be asked.

“There’s no reason to practice,” said Ms. MacDougal as she held up the winner’s trophy after the event. “Absolutely not, it’s just good luck.”