International YorkieTalk Meet-up 2008

[urbnalbino]

I know this is a little off-topic, but our two guests that were going to come with us decided to not to go because of financial issues, so we have two open spots. I am willing to sell their spots for half the cost if anyone is wanting to go at the last minute. I have two - one covers dinner for the nighttime, the other doesn't.

Please PM ASAP if you want to go!! Thanks!!!

I believe that would be $50 for whoever wants the dinner ticket and $25 for whoever wants the gen. admission ticket. Please let me know!!

[urbnalbino]

Originally Posted by Sukoshi's Mom

I wasn't going to say anything about this (was just going to slip them into the goodie bags), but my mom has been working very hard to gather some coupons from businesses on the Plaza to include in the goodie bags so that we have some incentive to try out the local stores. Some of them have been more generous than others, but she's going back this week to pick up coupons and such from those who've been willing to contribute, and I think (I may be wrong) that Panache is one that agreed to give a coupon . I agree Jodie - they're GREAT!

This is neat! We have a Panache here in town and OHHHH they do such a great job! My friend works there and she does nails and everyone that works there is just so talented. I'd love to try out another one!

[mistyinca]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Everyone should definitely buy raffle tickets as we've been fortunate to receive some GREAT prizes and the money can help offset the expense of the meetup.

Also, I don't think we'll have a problem "drinking up" huh Gayla???

Count me in for making the sacrifice in the bar lol

[mistyinca]

Just thowing some ideas out there...

Lisa, I know a bunch of us are meeting up in the park on Friday. What about having the hotel make up some sandwiches and having some canned sodas and we can pre-pay for those to eat at the park. I could easily see paying $8-$10 each for something like that... I know when I get done flying, I'm going to be starved.

Another idea...I'm sure some of us will eat Friday dinner and/or Saturday lunch at the hotel. You should ask if they'll apply any amount YTer's spend on food and drink towards the minimum.

Please let us know how much the deficit is. No one here wants you to take this on your own.

We can come up with something.

[Suzy]

I agree with Misty and Teri-if you could let us know how short we are/how much we each need to buy in raffle tickets/bar, etc, that would give us an idea ahead of time so we can watch our budgets I would much rather spend a little extra on raffle tickets and win something cool, or have a few drinks at the bar than just kiss my $ goodbye Let us know what we can do to help so this isn't all on you. We appreciate you organizing and coordinating, and want to do everything we can to make this meetup FUN!

[LuvMyPrinceKobi]

ITA Misty and Suzy! Any way that we're already going to be spending money, if we put it towards that minimum would be perfect! I love Misty's idea of sandwiches/sodas/etc because we are going to a baseball game pretty much right after the meet-up and won't have time for food anyway and also, like she said, many will be traveling beforehand and therefore hungry!

But yep, I'd gladly buy more raffle tickets if I had a "ballpark" figure of what we're aiming for...rather than you, me, or ANYONE just throwing $ at the hotel!

We'll figure it out...I know we will

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

The blue & cream is a boy's harness..........

Thats what I thought After I sent that message... Cute Cute!!

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by Suzy

I agree with Misty and Teri-if you could let us know how short we are/how much we each need to buy in raffle tickets/bar, etc, that would give us an idea ahead of time so we can watch our budgets I would much rather spend a little extra on raffle tickets and win something cool, or have a few drinks at the bar than just kiss my $ goodbye Let us know what we can do to help so this isn't all on you. We appreciate you organizing and coordinating, and want to do everything we can to make this meetup FUN!

Ditto that Suzy!I'll do it too.

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

I appreciate that feedback.

I just hate the idea of the money going to the hotel instead of the rescue group

Praying the hotel will give us a break

Well, unfortunately, unless the hotel will give us a break (I haven't heard back yet), the money will be going to them regardless - either in the form of "free money" or food expense. If we bought more food, we'd also have to raise enough more money to cover the associated taxable service fee (20%) plus taxes (9.73% on their food for some reason). That means we'd have to raise even MORE money before we'd show a profit. That's why I've resigned myself at this point to just giving them "free money" to meet the minimum, and at least we can save the associated service fees and taxes that would've gone along with that food had we consumed it, and that's where I'm hoping we can still eek out a small donation to a rescue. I'm trying to "cut corners" where I can, while still giving us a nice meet-up. For instance, I REFUSE to pay $40 for a microphone for a 1-hour breakfast on Sunday, so if there are any last minute "announcements" to be made before everyone leaves, I'll just yell really loudly !

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by LuvMyPrinceKobi

Oh, Lisa, I am sooo sorry This might sound bad, but would it be better to give us a "ballpark" of how much we need to raise to meet the minimum? I.E. "Each person buy $10 more raffle tickets" or "Per person try to spend X dollars more" to reach our goal?
I'm sure you don't want to flat-out say, we're short , and I understand that...but I think when people have an "idea" they can better do what you're asking. You know what I mean?

I mean, personally, I don't have a TON of money to spend on this trip (not to mention our trip will be 10 days), but I would SO much rather spend another $50 myself, than to open it up to YTers not going...I think that kind of ruins it for those who are going. Again, JMO.

Well, I could definitely give you a ballpark (I have it all figured out to the penny at this point), but I'd rather not. I know some people are very strapped for cash at this point, and I don't want them to feel like they have to pay an additional $X amount to pay their "portion". If everyone can just do what they can, that would be very much appreciated. Even $10 per person would really help out! If you can't do that, no worries. I just appreciate those of you that are attending, as that's a commitment in itself ! THANKS!

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

Just thowing some ideas out there...

Lisa, I know a bunch of us are meeting up in the park on Friday. What about having the hotel make up some sandwiches and having some canned sodas and we can pre-pay for those to eat at the park. I could easily see paying $8-$10 each for something like that... I know when I get done flying, I'm going to be starved.

Another idea...I'm sure some of us will eat Friday dinner and/or Saturday lunch at the hotel. You should ask if they'll apply any amount YTer's spend on food and drink towards the minimum.

Please let us know how much the deficit is. No one here wants you to take this on your own.

We can come up with something.

I contemplated adding box lunches to our menu for Saturday to help cover the minimums, as they're $13.95 per person, and that should be enough to meet the minimums if most everyone bought one, BUT...then we'd also have to cover the associated service fees and taxes, which was my concern. I was just trying to cover all this using what I'd already collected from you guys, which wasn't possible. BUT...if you'd be willing to pay an additional fee for this food (so you could just relax at the hotel and not have to find a restaurant on the Plaza to allow you and the babies), then that would definitely be possible. With the extra fees though, the box lunches would be about $18.50 per person. Is this too much???? We could do box lunches for lunch on Saturday, or I could even see if we could do that for Friday. I could pick-up everyone's lunches at the hotel prior to the meet-up, and I could give you your lunch at the park. It may even be enough to tide you over for dinner since it will be late afternoon by that point. Thoughts?

Another option would be adding a "snack break", which is $9.95 per person ($13 per person with the extra fees), and they have options like chips and dip, or salted soft pretzels, or cookies/brownies/rice crispy treats. I'm not sure when we'd do this though, as it's probably not enough for lunch, and you wouldn't want more food after you just got back from lunch.

If we did this though, I'd want to make it an OPTION for anyone who wanted to do that instead of getting food on the Plaza (I don't want to FORCE anyone to pay more, as I know this is already getting expensive for people), and the snack break would be hard because I don't want there to be any issues with only some people paying for it, but others trying to grab a "snack" and people getting upset. Maybe the box lunches would be better so it's "yours", and I would only order enough for those who wanted to participate.

I will also definitely ask my contact if the money you guys spend in the hotel restaurant would count toward our minimums, but our dogs aren't allowed in the hotel restaurant, so I'm not sure how many of you will be eating there anyway.

[LuvMyPrinceKobi]

Okay...here's my opinion on what you just wrote...others may have theirs too...and that's great

My personal thinking is that I would rather spend $20 on raffle tickets than $20 on a box lunch for two reasons. One, I want to enjoy all the restaurants in the area. And two, that seems like a lot for a lunch, so I'd rather just buy more raffle tickets (rather get yorkie things than food? ME!?! NEVER! haha )

I also understand that you don't want to disclose the information.....I get that totally. How about if everybody tries to do $10 more in raffle tickets if you can. If you can't, totally understandable, like Lisa said, it's a commitment just to be GOING to the meet-up, and I know it's tight for some...TRUST ME. Those that can do more than $10 should do that, and then DRINK UP like there's no tomorrow (We will be doing our fair share of drinking especially since we're staying right there at the hotel!!!! )

P.S. Have y'all looked at the list of raffle prizes??? Like, really, seriously, looked? The list is JUST incredible! Thanks to all who donated to that too

And thank you again, Lisa, for everything you've done!

Now, YTers, we're all in this together to have fun, not make it a stressful time, so if you can donate and buy raffle tickets, do so And if not, that's okay too! I so cannot wait for this

[kathy785]

I am planning on buying more tickets at the meet up. 2 reasons;
1. I don't like dealing over the computer
2. The proceeds were going to a good cause (Was to be rescue, but looks like it is US now)

By no means rich (remember I teach school! LOL), but would like to do my part. I am sure others feel the same.

[Sukoshis Gma]

Originally Posted by LuvMyPrinceKobi

Okay...here's my opinion on what you just wrote...others may have theirs too...and that's great

My personal thinking is that I would rather spend $20 on raffle tickets than $20 on a box lunch for two reasons. One, I want to enjoy all the restaurants in the area. And two, that seems like a lot for a lunch, so I'd rather just buy more raffle tickets (rather get yorkie things than food? ME!?! NEVER! haha )

I also understand that you don't want to disclose the information.....I get that totally. How about if everybody tries to do $10 more in raffle tickets if you can. If you can't, totally understandable, like Lisa said, it's a commitment just to be GOING to the meet-up, and I know it's tight for some...TRUST ME. Those that can do more than $10 should do that, and then DRINK UP like there's no tomorrow (We will be doing our fair share of drinking especially since we're staying right there at the hotel!!!! )

P.S. Have y'all looked at the list of raffle prizes??? Like, really, seriously, looked? The list is JUST incredible! Thanks to all who donated to that too

And thank you again, Lisa, for everything you've done!

Now, YTers, we're all in this together to have fun, not make it a stressful time, so if you can donate and buy raffle tickets, do so And if not, that's okay too! I so cannot wait for this

This is also JMO but I agree, especially about what the hotel food costs.

I also agree about the raffle items. There are sooooo many good things, I would rather take a chance on getting one of those than getting a sandwich and soda!!! And even if I don't win anything I will have enjoyed picking items out! Thank you to all who so generously donated items. I intend to do my part on the raffle, not a drinker, can't help out there.

And YES, THANK YOU LISA for all you have done and are still doing to make this an awesome meet up for everyone. I know it will be something we will all remember and will be talking about for some time.

[crb]

This news is disappointing....I was really expecting more people to attend. I was still keeping my fingers crossed that more would register but I guess not. It's really disappointing that we won't be able to make a donation to a rescue group. Now I'm wondering if there will even be a 2nd meet-up, with such low attendance, who would want to take on the task of organizing another.

I bought extra tickets when I first registered, however I will be purchasing more when I arrive at KC.

Kudos to you Lisa for doing such a wonderful job!!!