[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by swrinfla

A few random thoughts:

Early on, you'll have the whole neighborhood coming to whatever event you plan! As time goes by, folks will become so busy doing their own thing that attendance will drop off.

As an example, the Social Club of my village began with nearly 150 showing up for its organizational meeting. Almost monthly events became so popular that they had to be moved to a Regional Rec Center - the theater room holds so many more people! Sign ups for each event were "mandatory" if you weren't to be denied entry!

Now, we're back to a Village Rec Center, and attendance is much lower!

Your program must, of course, be enticing! Do NOT stick religiously to the "y'all bring something to share" pot-luck event. Do NOT always have music for dancing; all too often the decibels are far too high. If at all possible, establish some sort of theme for each event. But, don't make it "mandatory." Horse races are fun. Gambling nights are fun. Costume nights are fun. Christmas parties are fun - but should usually be more special than ordinary events and ought always to be "dressy!"

One club I belong to voted long ago to always have the event always catered. That's been a challenge in itself, of course, but attendees are happy paying $5-$15 a head rather than who knows how much to provide something "to share with 8-10 others."

Remember that many folks would just as soon socialize as they would at a cocktail party! Entertainment, games, etc., are not necessarily necessary!

Do NOT try to do it all yourself. You'll need an enthusiastic and willing bunch of volunteers for each event. The best clubs I belong to have had a former "professional party planner" as organizer for a number of years! See if you can find someone like that!

The clubs I belong to usually charge as much as $10 a person annually for "dues!" Some are even $5. A couple get along solely on their portion of the 50/50 sales.

Keep it simple! Keep it fun!

I know that y'all y'all (that's plural, you understand) will have Great Fun!

SWR

My dear Swineflu.

As always...right there with the wisdom!!

Returned from our first meeting with the new Laurel Valley group last night and read this...and sent it on to all.

Simple is better. People love to just get together and chat...and the attendance will fall as time goes on and people get involved in other stuff.

Thank you dear SCHWINN Florida......