“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”

Winston Churchill’s insightful words demonstrate the advantages of fundraising beyond the idea of helping others for their benefit only or fundraising for the material aspect. Fundraising can come in simple forms, and though the planning may take some time, the end result is always worth it.

Saratoga High classes use fundraising to raise money, and while doing so, peers build teamwork, friendship and responsibility. Such effects are shown from the occasional car washes in the front of the school to the selling of hot chocolate or smoothies on the quad steps. Students participating in these fundraisers enjoy the planning and—most of all—the social aspect.

Sophomore Joanna Lee helped plan the BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse fundraising event that ran on March 15 and 22 for the sophomore class. She said that there was more than simply obtaining a profit and finding what to do with the money.

“Memorable moments are working with the restaurant managers,” Lee said, “and also just going out and enjoying a nice meal.”

Whether it be selling baked goods or hosting a charity event, there is always more to fundraising than the material component. The best part about fundraising is that despite its simplicity, it produces more than simply money.

For more information about the BJ’s fundraiser that the sophomore class held, visit www.facebook.com, and look for the event “2013 BJ’s Fundraiser!”.