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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