Setting expectations is always a good idea.... I read someplace that it protects feelings and reputations. I suggest a realistic discussion with your Exec. of how much 'fund' raising and 'friend' raising will result. ROI on events is less than on individual asks for support. But events often start you on your relationship for individual asks. So your event is part of your development strategy, but not a gap-filler for income. Its income is offset by your time. However, engagement of volunteers and other community members, and connections that lead to gifts, ARE good returns on investment, they just don't appear in the bottom-line of event income right away. Events are most helpful as donor cultivation and promotional vehicles. Sarah S. Brophy, LEED-AP 208 S. Aurora Street Easton, MD 21601 410-822-1076 (phone and fax) Website: www.bmuse.net Wiki: http://greenmuseums.wetpaint.com/ Co-Author The Green Museum: A Primer on Environmental Practice ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).