fundraising gala event
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
United States
February 3, 2013 8:27am CST
My Son is going to a private school for 4k that is chartered with the public school district this year. However, next year he will go to public as they are only chartered for 4k. Eitherway they are having a Gala event at the school. Some fancy ball to raise funds for the school. I understand it's difficult for such a private school to stay in operation as they do not rely on tax money from the public or money from a Parish as they do not have a religious affiliation. So I understand the need for them to do such things BUT... it makes you wonder about the parents to do pay for the tuition there. As the gala event is asking for donations and volunteers for the event. If you are going to the event it is $100 a person and for a table of eight $600 charge! 
I know it's a good cause but at the same time how many parents have that kind of money. As you'd figure with any "gala" you'd need a fancy dress and tuxedo. I guess it's like WOW to me as I don't live in such a fanciful world to even phantom affording to attend such an event.
I know they've had other fund raisers such as buying a ticket for a drawing to win a cruise. Or they had an international night of sorts where there was a cost per family and volunteers provided food. Otherwise they do have gift cards you can purchase that you use at retailers and that seems like the only thing I'd want to do only they don't keep them on hand and you have to order them some how and I haven't taken the time to worry about it.
I know it's a good cause but at the same time how many parents have that kind of money. As you'd figure with any "gala" you'd need a fancy dress and tuxedo. I guess it's like WOW to me as I don't live in such a fanciful world to even phantom affording to attend such an event.
I know they've had other fund raisers such as buying a ticket for a drawing to win a cruise. Or they had an international night of sorts where there was a cost per family and volunteers provided food. Otherwise they do have gift cards you can purchase that you use at retailers and that seems like the only thing I'd want to do only they don't keep them on hand and you have to order them some how and I haven't taken the time to worry about it.1 person likes this
6 responses
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
3 Feb 13
Sorry - I am ot understanding why your son is going to a private school. Did he get a scholarship? My grand twins are at a private school and it does cost so much money and yes, there are fund raising events. The bonus is that the classes are small and more extras than can be given at a public school
2 people like this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
3 Feb 13
Not exactly. He's there because they only have one school now for 4k, they have "outsourced" the kids to private schools, day care centers ect and you could choose where your child went. We've never been able to afford a private school and I wanted to see about the quality of the staff and experience received vs a public school. The classrooms are a little smaller but this is also a Montesori school so their methods are different. If I had the money I'd love to send the girls there for their summer program to see if they liked it... not that I can afford that as that's $300-400 a week per kid and regular tuition is $10,000-$12,000 a year per kid. Clearly out of our range. I though it would be a nice opportunity for my Son.
If you go into Milwaukee and are "underprivledged" you can get a voucher for a chartered school of your choice. However, we don't live there and would not meet the criteria anyway. Tis the life of the double edge sword... never enough money to pay for experiences out of our wallet but not poor to qualify for a free ride or assistance.
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
3 Feb 13
I like the Montessori method of teaching although some teachers think it is outdated, I still admire it as it certainly makes learning fun for children. Those prices are high. For the twins it would be around US$3000 for both of them so it is cheaper.
One word of advice to you. Never compete. Just do what you can. You do not have to go to the Gala event and you do not have to give an excuse either. I am sure that your son will benefit from the programme and wish you all the best
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
3 Feb 13
There is no decision to be made. We won't attend as we don't have that kind of money or status in life. Let alone my son is 5 and does not realize the event is going on. If one of my older kids attended the school they'd be all over me about it.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
3 Feb 13
That's fairly typical for a private school to have such fundraising events. Depending on the event, the money may be going to fund scholarships for students who would not otherwise be able to attend, or it may actually be going to support the continued operation of the school.
It is not uncommon to charge that much for such an event. If someone can afford the full cost of tuition at such a school, $200 for a couple to attend a gala really is a drop in the bucket.
Doesn't every woman have at least a couple of dresses appropriate for such an event? I have at least three black dresses in my closet that are ready for any sort of formal event like that. I've taken to picking up appropriate dresses when I see a really great one at a thrift shop, because I would rather have them on hand for when I need them than have to go shopping for one at the last minute.
As for tuxedos... Well, they are inexpensive to rent.
@teotimoponcerosacena (1550)
• Philippines
4 Feb 13
It is a donation and voluntary so why forced yourself if you can't afford it. Maybe they can also understand your situation. Some people have plentiful so let them do your part.
