Doris Day’s animal charity honors late star with fundraiser

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. fundraiser / ˈfʌndˌreɪ zər / (n.) – an event that’s held to raise money for a certain purpose, such as to clean the environment, help victims of calamities, etc.
    Example:

    We are going to organize a fundraiser to help typhoon victims rebuild their homes.


  2. legacy / ˈlɛg ə si / (n.) – something that a person has achieved that continues to exist after his/her death
    Example:

    This bakery’s recipes were passed down from my great-grandfather. They’re his legacy.


  3. enduring / ɛnˈdʊər ɪŋ / (adj.) – describes something that continues to exist without change even for a long time
    Example:

    The painter’s enduring love for nature is very evident in all his artwork. 


  4. carry on / ˈkær i on / (phrasal v.) – to cause something to continue
    Example:

    I still carry on the family tradition of cooking a special Christmas dinner even if I’m now living in another country.


  5. booster / ˈbu stər / (n.) – someone who enthusiastically supports something
    Example:

    Angelina Jolie is a well-known booster for many social causes.


Article

Read the text below.

The 100th anniversary of Doris Day’s birthday is being recognized with a social-media fundraiser honoring her passion for animals.


The Doris Day Animal Foundation, a charity that supports animal welfare programs nationwide, is asking “animal lovers” everywhere to donate and celebrate her legacy.


The foundation announced a goal of $100,000 in donations, which it said it would match with funds to benefit animals affected by the war in Ukraine.


Day, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 3, 1922, created the nonprofit group, originally known as the Doris Day Pet Foundation, in 1978. She died in May 2019 at age 97.


A singer and actor best known for 1950s romantic comedies including “Pillow Talk” and “Lover Come Back,” Day also starred in dramas, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much.”


In a statement, the foundation asked people to post photos and videos with the hashtag #DorisDay100 that show how the “legacy of Doris and her enduring passion for animal welfare” is being carried on.


A video compilation of celebrity tributes to Day’s animal advocacy includes a newly recorded message from Kaley Cuoco, who’s set to star as Day in a limited series. Those featured in the video include Betty White, another prominent animal welfare booster, who died last December.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The Doris Day Animal Foundation is aiming to donate $100,000 this year to help the animals affected by the war in Ukraine. Would you give donations for causes like this? Why or why not? Discuss.  
  • Would you ever volunteer to help or rescue animals that are in danger? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Doris Day quit her acting career to focus on her advocacy to rescue animals. Would you quit your job to focus on a certain advocacy? Why or why not? Discuss. 
  • What do you think is the importance of leaving a good legacy? What kind of legacy would you like to leave? Why? Discuss.