It’s 2013 people!

In my mail this week was a fancy invitation to the annual fundraiser for the local chapter of a national organization.  The work this organization does is very important, so important that for the past couple of years I have been a monthly donor.  The legislative work they do and the services they provide are much needed in our communities.  Until this week I have always had the utmost respect and confidence in the leadership and staff of their national and regional organization.

So, what happened, you ask?  The invitation arrived, and I was pleased to see that they will be honoring a great woman, who served in our legislature for many years.  All good.  I checked my schedule for the event date, and was all set to go.  Then, I read the ticket prices.  As usual, a variety of sponsorship levels, but the kicker was:  One ticket $175;  Two Tickets $300.  And better yet, Table for 10 $1750!  Not even a “couples discount” for a table.

Seriously?  It’s 2013!  Are we really still stuck in the old “couples” pricing.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I could invite a friend to share two tickets.  But, what if I don’t know anyone, don’t want to hassle with it, or my friends are coupled-up.  The existing financial disadvantages of being single should  not be further perpetrated by  activist and political events.

Just so you know, I did give this organization a call to express my unhappiness.  I understood that changes would not be made for the upcoming event, but wanted to let them know that in the future they might reconsider such ticket pricing.  First off, they were shocked (shocked, I say!) to hear my concerns.  This pricing, they suggested, was away to encourage attendance.  I offered that perhaps lowering the single ticket price to $150 might also increase attendance.  But, the event is expensive, was the response.  Oh, OK?  Do the couples share a dessert or salad?  How is that one person costs $25 more than two?

I have chosen not to name the organization.  I ask that anyone planning events to please steer clear of ticket pricing that insults and, yes, discriminates against single people.


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5 responses to “It’s 2013 people!”

  1. Jules Avatar
    Jules

    I know right! If someone one fronts the table cost, why should 5 couples be penalized.

    It’s all stupid and poorly thought through

  2. JMPrince Avatar
    JMPrince

    And almost everyone’s fav pic of Dorothy Parker of a certain vintage too.

  3. Trevor Southerland Avatar
    Trevor Southerland

    Weirdest thing about this is the 10 for $1750…

    Shouldn’t I just buy 5 pairs of tickets, thus buying 10 for $1500?

    I would have more respect for their answers if they had done staggered pricing all the way up… but the fact that they go back to $175 per ticket if you buy 10 shows that they didn’t really even put much thought into the issue…

  4. JMPrince Avatar
    JMPrince

    Run into this all the damn time in one fashion or another. We usually bargain, and most are willing to do so within reason. But really, how do you feel about sharkskin suits m’dear? JMP

  5. Jules Avatar
    Jules

    UGH, how many times and in how many ways to we have to repeat this.

    Legally I’m a “couple” however my other half has zero desire to attend 99% of the events I will attend for politics and activism. So for all intense and purposes I’m single.

    No, I don’t want to scramble around to figure out how to buy a ticket and get a discount.

    No, I don’t want to see my friends penalized for also wishing to attend as a individual.

    No I don’t think this makes any economic sense.

    It only serves to ostracize people who will choose not to attend because they think it’s going to be filled with “couples” when in reality, it will be 75% singles and a handful of couples.

    Plus, really with the sexist attitude?

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