Spring Gala -- Need Your Input!!

Hi, All! I haven't been on this board in way too long.  Life in general is good and really busy.  I'm involved in all sorts of things and have recently started dating a terrific guy! One of the things that I've been busy with is planning our 4th annual Spring Gala. For those of you who've only been on this board for less than a year, let me tell you about our Spring Galas. Every Spring since 2005 we have organized a Gala.  It's a party/dance attended by members of this board and attendees of various bariatric support groups throughout the state, along with family and friends.  Traditionally it's been a fundraiser for ASBS (same as the Walk from Obesity held each Sept.), but primarily it serves several purposes:  it's an opportunity for some of the old-timers to reconnect with the friends who were there for us when we started our WLS journeys, it's a celebration of what we can do now that we couldn 't as pre-ops, it's a way to meet in person the people we've only known online... Because so many of the old-timers aren't around much lately (both here and at support groups), the Gala committee wants some feedback before we sign a contract and commit to spending money that we may not recap if ticket sales don't reach at least a certain number.  Here's the info. as it's currently planned: Date:  Saturday, March 8th Time:  7 p.m.? - midnight? Location:  Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell (most likely) There'll be a DJ, hors d'oeuvres (which for post-ops, of course, is dinner) and a cash bar (which will include selections that are non-carbonated, low-carb and caffeine-free).  Dress is as dressy as you'd like it to be (or not).  For those who'd like to stay over, there'll be a reduced room rate (probably about $99).  With the increased cost of food in recent months (as I'm sure you're all aware of), we've tried to keep the per person charge similar to last year's (which was $25).  The proposed price structure for this year is:  $27 per ticket in advance, $50 for 2 tickets in advance (note this is not only for couples; any 2 people can purchase 2 tickets and split the cost, thus paying $25 each) and $30 per ticket at the door (since it's harder to plan for an accurate amount of food if not enough tickets are sold in advance).  If you're not part of a couple (or your significant other isn't interested), don't let that stop you from coming.  We usually have more singles than couples attending. So, we're not asking for an absolute commitment right now, but if you think that you're likely to attend the Gala, please respond to this post or e-mail me at [email protected] ASAP, since March 8th is only 7 weeks away and we need to sign a contract and pay a non-refundable deposit within a few days. Thank you for your help,

Sounds fun....but are Pre-Ops invited as well ??

Absolutely!

Hi, Nick! Sorry I didn't make that clear enough.  Pre-ops are always welcome at all functions, except for post-op only support group meetings.  I remember as a pre-op being invited to CT message board parties and included in groups going out to dinner after support group meetings.  It not only made me feel welcome and gave me much-needed support, it also gave me the opportunity to observe post-ops at various lengths of time out from WLS and see how they coped...adjusted...handled whatever came up...lived...  It let me see that I could do it, too. Please come and bring your friends. Also, there's a group of us that always goes out to dinner after Middlesex support group meetings.  Please consider joining us next time.

Hey Debby - Great to see you here and I'm thrilled to hear you've found a terrrific guy to spend your time with!!

In 7 weeks I'll be about 1 month away from having my baby, I'm not sure if I'll be in the mood for a gala - although I'd love to see everyone - but at this point I can't commit - however, if I can make it - I'll be one of those at the door people paying a little bit more.

Hi Debby, After the wonderful time had at last years gala, how could anyone who attended not want to go to another one.  Count me in.  There will be two of us attending.  I do hope all goes well and there is a gala this year.   So all you wonderful people, let Debby know how much you are looking forward to seeing old friends and  meeting new ones.   And for all you newbie's, all are welcome.  Both before and after surgery patients with your spouse, special other or just friend.  Come to the gala and have a great, great time. Barbara

Hi Debbie, I would definitely be attending with my husband. Jen

I will check with the hubby. Will there be adult beverages for the non wls people there? He might be more into it if he knows he will be able to drink and since I "defied" him and had surgery.

Count me and Paul in and another couple!  Can't wait

Hi,, Kathy! There'll be a cash bar with the usual assortment of adult beverages.  We also make sure that there are non-carbonated, low-carb, caffeine-free beverages (besides water) for the compliant post-ops.