Cheaters DO Win

January 21, 2008

We're thrilled to announce that The Cheaters Cup is now in the possession of The Fightin' Caziques — Morgan Clendaniel and Gideon Friedman — the winners of 826NYC's Scrabble For Cheaters tournament. Their way with words and slick use of strategy (they lost their first round match and bought back in to the semi-finals via auction) propelled them to victory over all the other generous cheaters. Clendaniel and Friedman hold the title and the trophy until next year.

Thank you to all the cheaters. Your made-up words and your fundraising commitment are inspiring and appreciated. Start practicing for next year!

Deadline for Scrabble Team Signups

January 16, 2008

Your last chance for signing up to cheat in the Scrabble tournament of the decade ends tonight at midnight. So if you've been on the fence about joining in, now is your last chance to decide.

The good news is, donations will be accepted up until the date of the tournament, so you still have time to give your favorite team the edge they need. And, just in case any of the participants need a little motivation, this is what you'll be playing for.

Go ahead and drool--it's only a picture. If you want to drool on the real thing, you'll have to cheat your way to victory first.

For more information, go to the Scrabble for Cheaters site.

The Book of Other People Reading

January 06, 2008

On January 16th, 826NYC and Penguin Books present The Book of Other People: A Benefit Reading at Symphony Space. Zadie Smith hosts the event, which celebrates the US release of The Book of Other People, a collection of brand new stories by contemporary writers that benefits 826NYC. George Saunders and Vendela Vida will both read, along with very special guest Maggie Gyllenhaal!

Tickets are available online here, or by calling 212.864.5400.

All proceeds from the book and the event benefit 826NYC's free writing programs for children.

826NYC Congratulates Jon Scieszka!

January 03, 2008

Jon Scieszka, 826NYC's beloved board Vice President, has been named the USA's first national ambassador for young people's literature by the Library of Congress. Besides being the author of the classic books The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Jon, our neighbor here in Park Slope, has been pitching in at 826NYC from the start. He has been such a tireless, generous, cheerful presence here we also congratulate our fellow Americans now that they will get to spend some literary quality time with Jon as he travels around the country promoting reading.

Read more about Jon here!