Rita Barichievich, left, competed in the 15th annual Trivia Challenge.

Forty teams will come together Nov. 7 with one goal in mind — to win the title of Trivia Champion of Northern San Mateo County.

The teams of three may have another goal as well — to raise money for Project Read, a volunteer organization that trains tutors and matches them with students. Friday, Nov. 7 will be Project Read’s 16th annual trivia challenge where teams of three will strain their brains to be the next trivia champs. The evening is the fundraiser for the nonprofit complete with dinner, a silent auction and entertainment. Contestants add to the entertainment by dressing for the occasion.

Volunteer tutor Rita Barichievich, for example, was asked to participate two years ago as a contestant. She and her husband, both retired teachers, began their efforts with Project Read as volunteers. The idea of competing was a bit intimidating to Barichievich at first. But the fun overtook any fear. This year Barichievich and her husband will be on the Rooting for Readers team.

The event began with five teams and maybe 100 people in attendance, said Project Read Program Manager Holly Fulghum-Nutters. This year 39 teams are expected with over 400 spectators.

Fulghum-Nutters attributes the success to the large draw of people across multiple cities. Project Read provides one-on-one tutoring based out of the South San Francisco Library. It serves those in South San Francisco, Daly City, San Bruno, Millbrae and Colma.

Tutors are specially matched with students. The pairs meet one to two times a week.

Barichievich began working with one student about four years ago. The young woman is now in college, which acts as the location for their meetings.

“It is very rewarding,” said Barichievich. “This young woman has changed a lot. It has really helped her self confidence.”

Aside from their tutoring program, Project Read offers several programs. The Families for Literacy program is designed to help parents read more effectively to their children. The Health Literacy Program focuses on obesity prevention and provides an opportunity for families to prepare healthy food together. Learning Wheels consists of volunteers who drive to community centers, childcare centers and other places where Project Read can “spread the joy of reading,” said Fulghum-Nutters. Learning wheels also distributes free books to families.

The fundraiser event provides funding for all these programs, explained Fulghum-Nutters.

Questions for the event are developed at the various libraries then fact checked by a reference person before being used in the competition. The oversight was added after a Peter Cottontail/Peter Rabbit controversy a number of years ago, said Fulghum-Nutters.

Contestant slots are filled, however sponsors are still being sought. The deadline for sponsorships to be mentioned in the program is Oct. 28. Donations for the Project Read literacy program are welcome at any time and are tax-deductible.

The trivia challenge will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at the South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 S. Airport Blvd. Tickets are $30 and includes dinner. For more information about Project Read visit www.ssf.net or call 829-3871. Tickets may also be purchased at Project Read in the South San Francisco Main Library, 840 W. Orange Ave., South San Francisco.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.