A quick F.Y.I. about our reunion and it's financial situation.  What many of you don't know, and we didn't know until we started planning this reunion, is that all of the money we raised prior to graduating (through fundraising, specifically for future class reunions) was absorbed back into the high school.  This happened because we weren't informed and failed to transfer the money from the school and into a private bank account. 

That being said, we are starting with a budget of: $0.00

We are trying our hardest to not let this hinder our planning and/or alter our goals for the reunion.  One of these goals is that this reunion be affordable for everyone, and that money not be an issue when deciding whether or not to attend.  We researched average reunion ticket costs and feel like we've come in under the bar at $40-$50 per couple.  This price was decided upon by estimating attendance and taking into consideration our biggest cost items (ie: venue/catering).

We are aware that while some of us have been fortunate financially these past few years there are probably as many, if not more, that have been stomped on!  We are asking that those of you who have been comfortable through this economic crisis, consider contributing extra to our reunion budget.  This will not only pad our budget and allow us to make this event as special as possible, but also allow us to reach out to those classmates who might not otherwise come for financial reasons.  And to those of you who are hesitant to commit because of ticket prices, please contact the reunion committee and we will make sure that you are able to attend somehow!

There are several ways that you can donate $$ to the reunion budget:

1) If you are paying for your tickets in advance, consider rounding up the $40 cost/per couple to $50.  Although $10 doesn't seem like a lot, if 10 couples rounded up their ticket cost...we'll have an extra $100.

2) We will have fundraising opportunities at the reunion, more than likely in the form of raffle items, and/or a silent auction. 

*Consider donating items for the raffle, (ie: make a "family fun" basket with board games/candy, or put together a "date night" basket with gift certificates for dinner/movie).

*Consider donating your talent/services for the silent auction, (Stylists-haircuts? Estheticians- facials? I know we have some talented artists/photographers- paintings? Framed photographs? Season ticket holders- tickets to a game? etc...).

All of our incoming funds, payment for tickets/donations, are anonymous.  The only record kept regarding money is to mark classmates as paid/unpaid for their reunion tickets.  I know this is a lot of "money-talk" but it's important to keep everyone informed on our decisions and our struggles as we go through this planning process. 

Please send us any ideas for raising funds and/or ideas about saving/spending money!  Any and all input is appreciated!