Why are car wash fundraisers popular?

Enthusiastic elementary kids jump up and down with handwritten signs, waving their arms and shouting at passing cars: Car Wash! High school students sway silently with their signs with arrows, beckoning drivers to pull in for a car wash. I appreciate the work invested in a car wash with a cause. These are a few of my favorite things about this kind of old-fashioned fundraiser. 

    Car washes appeal to all ages because there’s a role for everyone from making the signs, waving at drivers, rinsing, soaping, and toweling off the dirt. And of course, taking and counting the money. Could we consider this a team sport without a few star players getting all the glory?

    The outside activity is a feel-good deal—a donation in exchange for a wash. An extra tip pressed into the hands of the hard worker earns a smile. (Unlike bake sales, the buyer isn’t worried about breaking their diet, or hurting anyone’s feelings by choosing Tiffany’s cookies over Tom’s brownies.)

    Gas, diesel, or electric vehicles, all get dirty. Drive up in a beater, a handed down jalopy, or the latest model everyone envies—every ride deserves to shine. (I’ve seen bicyclists offer their two-wheels for a wash too.) Everyone’s welcome.

    It’s a promise made to show up for someone you care about to support their cause. Or it’s a spontaneous act of generosity. Whatever the case, charity car washes are here to stay.