The community is invited to put on their thinking caps and get ready for the 24th annual Smart-A-Thon which will be held on Wednesday, March 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Council Room at Verdugo Hills Hospital.

This event has a well-deserved reputation for silly fun all in support of the educational endowment fund and draws an enthusiastic crowd of dedicated community members for skits, a silent auction and trivia contest. Participants are organized in teams of four. Those who come solo will be assigned a team by the CV Chamber of Commerce or friends may organize their own teams and the event is presided over by masters of ceremonies Rick Dinger, Mike Smith and Captain David Silversparre of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station.

This year, in addition to the traditional festivities, two non-profit organizations will win $500 each and a Pot O’ Gold drawing will provide an undisclosed amount to the non-profit that correctly guesses the amount. To be eligible, a non-profit organization must have a team of four players participating in the Smart-A-Thon and bring proof of a 501(c)(3).

“We anticipate that this light-hearted competition will once again bring together many participants from local businesses, civic groups, non-profit organizations and schools,” said Julia Rabago, executive director of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Teams work in collaboration and answer questions on paper. Winners are announced after answers are tallied. If you are looking for a great way to have fun and support our community at the same time, this event is for you.”

Proceeds from the event will support the Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce Educational Endowment Fund which, since its inception, has provided over $100,700 in grants to area educational nonprofit organizations and schools.

Verdugo Hills Hospital has traditionally supported the event by providing the Council Room to host the event. The room is on the fourth floor of the hospital.

Reservations are $35 per person and include lunch and participation.  Prizes are awarded to the top 15 teams and everyone who attends receives special remembrances. For more information or to make a reservation, call (818) 248-4957 or go to www.crescentavalleychamber.org/events.asp for the flyer and signup form.