When you say that "Sharon got burned on no shows for the 30th," do you mean that she had to put out money for food that had been ordered for the folks who didn't show? If so, that's a huge thing to take into consideration.

About fifteen years ago we had the fiftieth (and final) of our high school ... which closed within five years of that grad - which I'd missed, as Dad moved to farm on the prairies a few months prior to mine.

Twelve hours is a long drive. Gas all on your nickel? A place to stay free, or at least "almost" so, while there?

What's the possibility of you making use of your vast powers of persuasion on some of the five locals ... or maybe some would be willing to co-chair?

If all of you can bring it off ... I strongly suspect that you'll be glad that you did.

(Could this be one of those infamous "chair"s around here ... one of whose legs is claimed to be shorter than the others?).

ole joyful

If you weren't so far from where the reunion would be held, I'd say "go for it", but chairing an event by yourself remote from the venue is asking for a big headache. If someone in the location where the reunion will be held is willing to co-chair with you, that would help tremendously. And, you need to have a lot more details on why the previous chair got "burned" -- what did the attendees do/not do and was any of that precipitated on what the previous chair did that she shouldn't have or didn't do that she should have.

Lindsey, yes she got stuck for some for no shows.

joyfulguy, yes gas would be my nickel. I'd stay with my brother and his wife so that's no problem.

Sharon is willing to co-chair and I have 4 other members willing to help but not chair.

Sharon and I have had numerous conversations about her experience on the 30th and her having to pay for those no-shows. She was the chair for all four reunions and besides the no-shows her other problem was the co-chair wasn't as helpful as he should have been.

I can understand being burned out after doing four of them and having to pay for those who said they'd be there and then didn't show. George and I wound up paying for six people who "absolutely were coming" to our anniversary party, replied to the RSVP and then never showed or called. Unfortunately, it seems to be the rule anymore rather then the exception.

A good friend had the same experience with her recent wedding. Unless it's a last minute emergency, don't know why folks reply and then don't show or let someone know they can't make it.

Go for it. Get the $$$ up front. Then enjoy the applause!

Georgysmom beat me to the suggestion! Absolutely require up front payment several weeks in advance. If they try to cancel after the RSVP deadline, there will be zero refund. Communicate that fact loudly and frequently.

Sounds like you may have to chair if you want it to happen, and it sounds like you have thought about and understand the time/commitment/risks of being in charge of such an event. So, I agree with AAA. Good luck & have fun!

Yes, Georgysmom has the right idea. Get the money in advance with a firm due date. If they don't pay but show up anyway, make sure that they do NOT get served any food. Of course, if it's a buffet-type arrangement, it will be a bit more difficult. In that case, you might have to have tickets for the paid-up folks to hand over at the start of the buffet line, to prove they have a right to the food.

Any food left over at the end of the evening can be donated to a homeless shelter or a senior center.

I think you should do it. You know all the pitfalls. Since you have relatives you can stay with, it can be an enjoyable way to work on the event and have a nice visit.

I agree to get money upfront. If people do show up, you need to get their conttibution somehow without disrupting the event. After all, the more the merrier.

Keep in constant communication with fun up-to- date notices. You might want to set up an event website where people can check in and see who else is coming, add event suggestions or music suggestions.

Why not find a venue, such as Golden Corral, where you can reserve a room for 25-150 people and let everyone who decides to attend, go dutch - if they show, great - if not, nothing will be lost. Everyone would be sent a 'save the day' invitation and in that invitation the ground rules would be laid out. No one would be 'stung' or left with the bill. You come, you pay and you eat and fellowship.

That seems like a good idea Kay, but don't you find that people are more committed to following through when they put money down?

We actually did this for a family get-together and it worked for us - we reserved the banquet room at Stroud's Chicken in Kansas City. All of the family showed up from all across the United States and enjoyed the event. We all paid the same amount, as we arrived, had lots to eat and laughed and reminisced - great time had by all!

My thoughts are, do you live in the same town you grew up in? How many in your class? Was it small or large? Mine was large, over 400. My class apparently had money in their treasury from past reunions. I have no idea what this money is used for but I'm sure it was used wisely. They still send out mailing about twice a year. But that is very expensive with mailings. I know that not all graduates will not attend but those that do have a great time. I personally have never attend any reunions but my husband has been to a couple of his. (10 and 50) Different school, different city than mine. They are always contacting him with information about his class.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do and make sure you have lots of help.

It has been my experience in chairing this type of thing that yes there could be a few stragglers, but not that many. Most venues have no problem adding last minute additions, it's the cancellations that are not refundable after a certain date.

I've "chaired" all the class reunions. The way it happened is my best friend called me and said "We're having a class reunion and you're running it" lol. I didn't mind, it was work but fun. As years went by we had a fifth, tenth, twenty five and then fifty which was our last. I loved every minute of doing them but it was a lot of work, especially as time went by and people had remarried, moved etc. Thankful for Zaba Search, that's how I found most of them. Needless to say, there won't be another as no one will step up.
It wasn't just securing a venue but I sent out questionaires which were amusing. made booklets for each of them as keepsakes filled with photos of our times together, along with that I had pens made with the school name inscribed on it. I went to a small private school in Boston, 32 in the class and we all truly cared for and looked after each other, that continues to this day. We still communicate via email and FB.
Yeah you should do it, you have people to help and you'll enjoy yourself. I agree, get payment the first thing. We never had an issue with deadbeats.

Former chair and I talked today and there's strong possibility another classmate will chair!

I told her if he doesn't, then I'll do it but would like her to be vice-chair. She was reluctant at first, but then agreed she wouldn't mind that position.

Keeping fingers crossed.

Why not offer to chair with the other classmate? Your friend can also be involved if necessary. Maybe just as someone to kick ideas off of.

When my girls were in elementry school there were numerous fund raisers. When no one offered, they always presented the co chair option.

I'd keep it simple and get the money up front. Like others have said, get a place that will hold a large number of people and have it buffet style. Make sure to charge enough to cover room rental and tips for the servers.

The same two people chaired our reunions through the 40th. They both lived in the town where we went to school. ][A different person chaired the 50th and now this year, our 55th. I have attended all but the 10th. I wish I lived closer and could help plan this reunion. This one is at a Sheraton Hotel and the special room rates were are getting are $102 per night!! I live in Iowa and the reunion is in California. I will fly out for the reunion.