ESL Podcast 985 - School Fundraisers

fundraiser - an event organized to make money for an organization or cause

Each year, the animal shelter sells tickets to a formal dinner as a fundraiser.

raffle - lottery; an arrangement where many people purchase tickets to have an opportunity to win one or more prizes, but with the understanding that most people will not win

They're selling $5 raffle tickets for an opportunity to win a sports car.

car wash - an event where a group of people washes cars informally, usually without a set price but with the expectation that money will be given to the group

The high school cheerleaders are doing a car wash at the grocery store this weekend to raise money for new uniforms.

spaghetti dinner - a meal of long noodles and a tomato-based sauce, often used as a fundraiser where people pay money to eat

Each fall, the firefighters cook a spaghetti dinner and community members pay $8 each.

bake sale - an event where people purchase homemade baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pies, usually to raise money for a school or organization

Aunt Gertrude is donating her delicious brownies for bake sale at her nephew's school.

craft sale - an event where people purchase handmade items, especially decorative items, usually to raise money for a school or organization

Many people go to craft sales in November and December to buy Christmas presents for friends and family members.

to donate - to give a thing or money to an organization

We should donate our old clothes to the local women's shelter rather than throwing them away.

candy sale - a period of time when children sell candy so that a percentage of the money is given to their school

It seems strange to teach children about good nutrition, but then ask them to participate in candy sales to raise money for the school.

to hit up - to ask someone for money

How often do you hit up your parents for money?

on the tail of - immediately after; at the end of something; following

I wish our anniversary weren't on the tail of all the holidays, because we're always too tired to celebrate it.

rummage sale - a garage sale or yard sale; an event where people sell used items that are still in good or fair condition, especially to raise money for school or organization

The church members are donating items for the rummage sale, and the proceeds will be used to send missionaries overseas.

gift certificate - a piece of paper that allows one to spend a certain amount of money at a particular store or restaurant

Krystal received a gift certificate for a haircut at a local beauty salon.

silent auction - an event where people write their name on a list to show how much money they are willing to pay for various items, especially to raise money for an organization

The most popular item at the silent auction was an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyland.

breather - a break; a period of time when one can rest and relax

Blake is a tax preparer, so he's working a lot and won't get a breather until after tax season.

brick - a rectangular block, usually red or brown, made from clay, used to make walls and buildings

Do you prefer brick fireplaces, or stone fireplaces?

to engrave - to use a special tool to carve or scratch words into a piece of glass, metal, or stone

Each award is engraved with the recipient's name and the date.

tombstone - a large stone placed above a grave (where a body is buried) with the name, date of birth, date of death, and possibly a short message

Many tombstones say "RIP" meaning "rest in peace."