Sorry for the cross posting, but I am trying to reach anybody that runs fundraising events like dinners, balls, etc. What courtesies if any are extended to staff? Do they get free or discounted tickets? Are staff who are required to work or attend the event required to pay the admission price? We are trying to gather some benchmarking info so please respond with size and type of organization as well as how you handle. Thanks much, Tina [Email Removed] Tina Wilfer Development Assistant Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Appleton, WI [Email Removed]

I would be really shocked if staff who are required to work the event are forced to pay. Staff who work our events do not have to pay and if the event involves a meal (eg, breakfast, awards dinner), staff get to eat and do not have to pay for the meal. Staff who do NOT work the event but wish to attend must pay the registration fee unless an executive decision is made to comp that particular staff person (usually a manager). Kimberly Yang New Directions, Inc. Los Angeles, CA (310) 268-3695 www.newdirectionsinc.org

We are a K-12 Catholic School and this year will be having the 21st Friends of St. Edmond Ball. The money from this event is used to provide items above normal budget such as bleachers for the gym, a new bus or computers the list is endless. The event is ran by the Development Office with volunteer co-chairs and a host of other volunteers. The faculty and staff are given a ticket for themselves as well as a guest and are REQUIRED to be in attendance. They are required because indirectly they benefit greatly from this event and we want them to show their appreciation and support to the many volunteers. Some however do donate, we have several different participation levels and their names are then printed in a booklet that is handed out. I hope this gives you some insight. Our ball has grown from raising $15,000 the 1st year and we are hoping to raise $240,000 this year (net proceeds).

We have a small staff of 7. The staff attends, works, and eats for free. We hold several dinners and golf tournaments. Staff eats for free, but if they play golf the pay. We usually have a "staff" table at our dinner events, with most of us working, we're up and down a lot! We are a part of McLeod Health-a Regional Medical Center. We host a Cancer Dinner, a Children's Dinner, a Founder's dinner for approx 200-300 people each. We earn our meals-believe me!!! Hope this helps!

The Foundation staff is not expected to pay to attend Foundation functions. We feel it is important for staff to be present so our donors/prospects have a chance to meet those who work behind the scenes. In most cases we have a specific role or function to perform (registration, greeting guests etc.) during the event and as a result our ability to enjoy the meal like a paying attendee is compromised. In fact we are also allowed to bring our wives/significant others/partners free of charge to certain events. We are not a large staff and the additional expenses is minimal.

We are the development office (staff=6) for an organization of 600 employees and use about 400 volunteers. No development staff who work events are required or asked to pay. If a member of the program staff are asked to work the event (registration, etc) they are also not asked to pay. If, however, a member of the program staff wishes to attend the event and not work, then they do pay for their admission. Depending on the event, we sometimes have special staff prices. Trish Morgan Gifts Manager Pathways Hospice Foundation [Email Removed]

The last place I worked required staff to pay, even if they were helping with set up or tear down or working the event as development officers to cultivate prospects. Most of the staff were pretty upset at having to pay to attend an event which they were working. Where I work now requires staff to attend the annual fund banquet, but gives each person two tickets so they can bring their spouse or a guest. Staff and spouses are asked to help with the event and most do. Sponsorships covered the cost of these comp tickets. Christine Mildner Heritage Christian School Hillsboro, OR [Email Removed]