REUNION Q & A

The invitations have gone out.  Our 50^th Class Reunion is fast-approaching.  And it’s not a single event – it’s a two-day celebration.  Enough planned activities to keep us hopping from one to the next.  And, personally, opportunities to reacquaint with old friends, share reminiscences, and converse a bit about life today.

You may have a few questions/comments that come to mind.  Maybe we can help with some answers and some thoughts that will ease the process as you decide whether to join your St. Louis Park classmates this August and just how much of the festivities you care to participate in. 

                                                                                    Your Reunion Committee

Q:        The agenda you’ve laid out looks pretty ambitious.  Is there an expectation that in agreeing to come and paying the package price of $75, I am expected at all of these various events?

A:        Yes, indeed, there’s a lot planned – hopefully, something (and more) for everyone.   Your Reunion Committee is eager for you to participate in each and every part of the celebration that you can and that you want to attend.  But, NO, there is no expectation or commitment to anything more than that.  Come to what you think you’ll enjoy!

Q:        I noticed there is one flat fee of $75 but no breakdown – is there a way to just pay for the events we want to attend?

A:        You are right, the $75 cost is a flat charge that includes all reunion events (except golf, which is extra). 

As you might imagine, pricing is the least fun part of event planning and the Reunion Committee had a desired goal from the outset to keep costs as reasonable and affordable as possible, given costs to put on the various activities.  You may recall that the 40^th class reunion cost $75 – and was a one-night event.  We wanted to offer more and keep costs down.  We also wanted to make as many pleasurable activities open to as many people as wanted to participate.

            In the process, we discovered a number of interesting factors; one is that attempts to price per event actually ended up with larger package prices.  And, also important, we did not want to force people to lock into certain events in advance, only to discover later that they want to join more of the festivities. 

            That said, we do not want price to be a barrier to anyone’s participation and ask only that you contribute an amount that you consider your fair share with your RSVP.  (See also question below.)

Q:        Speaking of the RSVP, are you saying that even if I indicate I’m coming to the dinner and one other event, for example, I can still decide when I get there to attend all of the other events?

A:        Sure.

Q:        I have concerns about the $75 fee.  I’m not planning to attend the Saturday night dinner, which is likely the event with the most costs, so can I attend other events without paying the $75 fee?

A:        Again, we want you to participate in every single event that appeals to you.  Certainly anyone who cannot or does not wish to attend the Saturday night dinner but would like to attend other events are welcome to do so.  We would hope you would make a voluntary contribution to help defray costs.

Q:        While we’re talking about the dinner, it sounds like a pretty fancy thing – that country club in Wayzata sounds pretty formal to me. 

A:        Put those thoughts out of your head.  This is going to a casual buffet dinner, where a bunch of old friends can gather together, have a good dinner and lots of laughs and good times.  No tuxes or tails; no gowns or furs.  Seriously, there is nothing formal (or stuffy) in our planning.  Come in your casual best, be relaxed and enjoy!

Q:        Besides dinner, what else is planned for Saturday evening?

A:        We’re planning a brief (key word) program, lots of music (oldies, of course) and dancing for those who choose to partake.  Other than that, the fun is in your own hands and those of your friends – we’re 68, we know how to have fun when we get together!

Q:        And back to dinner itself – I’m a fussy eater; will I have options?

A:        Yes – there’ll be a meat, chicken and fish options plus potatoes and roasted vegetables and a dessert bar.  Should satisfy even the fussiest palate.