We are a medium-sized local history museum and did our first major black-tie fundraiser last year. It was also a re-creation of an historical event. We could only fit about 130 people for a sit-down dinner, so we had to go on the high-side to make money. We decided to for it, and charged $150 per person, with the blessing of the chair people, and the promise that we wouldn’t “nickel and dime” the guests once they got there. We were pleasantly surprised to see how many people (who previously gave $30 - $50 a year) were willing to pay $300 a couple. Most of that was a donation, of course (cost was $65 a person).  People who wanted to be there in historic dress to participate, but couldn’t/wouldn’t pay the ticket price, were considered volunteers and did not dine with the guests. (We had a hospitality room where volunteers could rest with food and drinks.) We made $30,000 without a silent auction.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Katie Anderson
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2005 11:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] reenactors at ball

 

We are planning a Heritage Ball as a fundraiser.  The 8^th Regiment Band (mid-19^th century) is providing music for free.  The local SCV is excited about participating.  I’m in a quandary about what to charge for tickets.  Cost per person including food, drinks, rental etc. is $38.75.  We can seat 200.  Our goal is to raise $20,000.  I plan on asking 20 old Rome families and businesses to “host” at $1000.  For that they receive 4 dinner tickets and a brief family history in the program.  This leaves 120 seats at $75.00.  This gets us to our goal. 

 

Here’s the dilemma.  My dear friend from the band says most re-enactors would expect to and be willing to pay $50 per couple max.  I don’t want this to be an elitist event but $50 for a couple doesn’t break even much less raise funds!  We had planned on advertising the ball to regional re-enactors and inviting local re-enactors.  I don’t want to offend them with the high ticket price.  We really need them there to provide a sense of authenticity.  The band members will receive free tickets but I can’t give all re-enactors free tickets.  I can’t think of a way to have two ticket prices without it becoming uncomfortable. 

 

Any sage advice?  If you’ve put on a ball before I’d love to hear from you!

 

Thanks,

Katie

 

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Katie Anderson

Museum Director

Rome Area History Museum

305 Broad Street

Rome, GA 30161

706-235-8051

cell 678-908-7751

fax 706-235-6631

[log in to unmask]

www.RomeHistoryMuseum.com

 

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A new exhibit highlighting the efforts on the home front during WWII is now open at the Rome Area History Museum.  "World War II: The Home Front" contains photos and artifacts from the 1940s that tell the story of this transformational time.  A video containing clips of oral history interviews with local WWII veterans and civilians is on view in the exhibit.     

 

As a partner of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, we are coordinating an oral history project with World War II veterans and civilians in northwest Georgia.  It is vital that we preserve these stories.  Please contact the Museum to schedule interviews. 

 

The oral history project and exhibit are supported in part by a grant from the Georgia Humanities Council. 

 

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