MARIETTA - In the wake of celebrating a $7.7 million contribution to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta's 2009 campaign, United Way in Cobb is hosting a new fundraiser on April 1, called Spell Check, to raise money for early childhood learning programs.

On March 4, the metro area United Way celebrated, announcing it had raised more than $79 million in 2009. Cobb chapter leaders said their contribution, the $7.7 million, exceeded their goal by $100,000.

At that celebration, two Cobb companies, Publix Super Markets and Genuine Parts Company, were among recipients of the Live United award for demonstrating leadership in giving, advocating and volunteering. Publix gave $5 million to the 2009 campaign, while Genuine Parts Company has provided staff to support the United Way Loaned Executive program for more than 50 years.

Cobb County co-chairs for the United Way 2009 campaign were Lee Rhyant, executive vice president and Marietta site general manager of Lockheed Martin, and Alyce Sarno, Lockheed Martin's director of communications and community relations.

The money raised will be put toward programs and services for education, income and health care for the poor, and programs to end homelessness.

On April 1, the Cobb chapter will host a new fundraising event. Spell Check, for teams of adult spellers, will kick off the group's Month of the Young Child and aims to raise awareness of the power of literacy.

Megan Egan, area director of the United Way in Cobb County, said that a spelling bee is a great way to get people out in support of early education.

"It is important our community recognizes the impact of early learning," Egan said. "Spell Check is a great opportunity to highlight education. It is vital that our community's children have the resources they need to start school ready to learn."

Teams of eight adults - six spellers and two cheerleaders - will compete in three rounds of a rapid spelling competition, winning awards for the best spellers, best team name and most enthusiastic or creative cheering. The entry fee is $400 per team and includes one pass to the "water fountain," or bar, for each team member.

WSB's Condace Pressley will be the official word pronouncer for the event.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Tickets are $20.

For more information, contact Lauren Cox at the United Way at 404-526-8467 or via e-mail at lcox@united wayatlanta.org. To register a team visit, www.surveymonkey.com/s/spellcheck. The deadline to register for the event is March 24. General admission tickets can be purchased through the Strand Theatre at its Web site: www.earlsmithstrand.org. All proceeds from the event will go toward early learning programs in Cobb County.