Once you figure out what aphasia is, the language disorder is hard to forget. It doesn’t affect intelligence, but can impact the way a person speaks, understands, reads and writes.

About a third of strokes result in the condition—and at least 2 million people in the U.S. live with it. One nonprofit, Voices of Hope for Aphasia, has been helping them cope for more than a decade through socialization at free workshops and outings.

The St. Pete-based, Best of the Bay-winning organization’s annual Word Play fundraiser brings people together for a night of puzzle—and this year’s special guests include Tampa Bay Rays pitchers Jason Adam and Pete Fairbanks , who also love crosswords.

There’ll even be a special tribute to the late Merl Reagle, who pens the Creative Loafing Tampa Bay crossword in the back on the book. Tickets include a buffet dinner, drink ticket and programing, with table options available.

The second annual Word Play gala happens on Thursday, June 6 at Clearwater’s Banquet Masters (13355 49th St. N). Tickets are still available for $95 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight. Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.