英语播客 A Cup of English 48 St. Joe's Harvest Fundraiser.

Each year for the past ten years, I have seen advertisements for St. Joe's harvest fundraiser(1) on the backs of cars. I have often found myself either driving or sitting at a red light behind one of these cars. Finally this Sunday, I actually went to the fundraiser. It took place on the playing field(2) that belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic school which is situated inside the church building of the same name. The fundraiser is for the school, to raise money for all its different needs. The organizers do a good job of advertising, and getting the word out(3) into the community. It was a glorious day, typical Autumn, sunny but slightly cool. There was already music playing when I arrived, even though it was only mid-morning. A little his panic boy was singing 'Cielito lindo', and a crowd was gathering to watch him. I walked past the row of Mexican food stalls and stopped at one which was selling cups of sliced fruit. As I ate the mango, melon, and jicama slices, I walked around and looked at the rest of the fundraiser. There were giant bouncy areas for children, ceramic and craft stalls, jewelry, clothing, and a second-hand area that had a bit of everything. I rummaged (4)around in the household items, looking for something useful. "I'll make you a good deal, Ma'am," said the owner. "Make me an offer; I'm not fussy," he added. I didn't find anything really exciting. However, I did end up buying a red box with sequins on it for my daughter, just one dollar. "I can't go home without buying something," I thought to myself. The fundraiser was a great little event. Hopefully the school will receive the money it needs to keep its standards high.

1. 'Fundraiser'. This word is a combination of 2 nouns, and means an event at which money is raised for a cause. Fundraisers often take place for charities and medical research.

a. We made over $1000 at the fundraiser last night. That money will be well spent.

b. You can make more money from a fundraiser by involving celebrities.

c. Cancer research always needs more money, that's why there are so many fundraisers for that cause.

2. 'The playing field' is the area of grass that is used by a school for its outdoor activities and sports.

a. The annual Sports Day for the elementary school was held on the playing field yesterday.

b. That school is lucky to have such a large playing field.

3. 'To get the word out' means to 'spread the news', 'to advertise', or 'to inform the public.'

a. If you want to get a lot of business for your shop, you should get the word out.

b. The Performing Arts Center will have a ballet performance in December, so they are getting the word out now.