Working at the car wash . . .

I wanted to post a couple of pictures . . . maybe later.

Around fifteen (or more) of our Thespians spent their Saturday morning washing cars for free -- but gladly accepting donations. It was a busy day with only one real break and it lasted just a couple of minutes. Seemed like we always had a car to wash. Sometimes four. Thankfully, we have a good location at a busy intersection near the school. There is high visibility and easy access from two different directions. And we don't get in the way of the business. The location offers us a space until around 12:30 p.m. and a free hookup to their water supply. We have to bring our own hoses but that is a small price to pay.

We also bring brownies or cookies for the employees of the business . . . that makes them happy and full. All the better for us, I figure, if they know their generosity is appreciated. And nothing says "appreciation" like a big plate of brownies. (Unless it's two plates)!

This is the fifth car wash we have held since deciding it might be a fun and easy way to make money for our various Thespian activities throughout the year. I have been constantly impressed with our students' ability to work hard and constantly washing strangers' cars. Even a few of the paretns who stopped by marvelled at how industrious the kids were. People who think teenagers are afraid of a little hard work have never seen anything like this. It makes me proud to see it.

Our officers were well-prepared, on time, and organized.

I am constantly impressed with the number of people who will simply pull off the street to have their cars washed by teenagers in a parking lot. Before we started doing it, I would never have believed that it was possible. I'm a believer now; we washed a few cars owned by studetns or parents but the wide majority of cars washed belonged to people we did not know. Saturday we washed a BMW car that wopuld easily $40,00.00 new. I guess if you don't want to wash it yourself, there are only so many places to take a car like this.

Last year we washed a classic Jaguar! The owner said he only took out about 10 times a year. I am not sure the kids had any idea of the value of this vehicle, but they took great car and the gentleman and his wife were pleased with the wash. At least the said so.

That same day, another driver jumped out of her car, snatched the hose out of the hands of a well-meaning student and rinsed her car completely before tearing out the parking lot at high speed. I don't know if we were taking too long or she didn't appreciate the quality of work. Either way, we were all kind of shocked and stood for a moment or two with our mouths hanging open.

No bad behavior on Saturday, thank goodness. There were no unhappy customers and APD did not make an appearance (like last year). Our "customers" were gracious and generous. Most were sincerely interested in our activities and some engaged us in conversation about our upcoming theatre season. We happily provided them with a brochure and encouraged them to subscribe.

I like car washes as a fundraising project. But I especially like it for the social and educational aspects. A car wash gets my students together in a non-theatrical environment. Students in all grades were represented; there were Thespians and VPA Theatre students. Some first-year stuents were there experiencing their very first Thespian activity. Once there, my students must work together for a common goal, build confidence, follow their student leaders, problem solve, meet the public, and build a strong work ethic.

It helps that they know they can use some of the money to pay for dues or conference registration, of course. But I think that most of them are there because it is fun. They probably don't even know that they are learning something, too.