We live in a rural resort town in Vermont. Our big fundraiser event is a Casino night for parents only. Local restaurants donate food and we have a cash bar. This is not on school property. We bring in about $700 profits from the bar alone. It is fun for the parents to get out and be adults with adults. Personally I don't feel there is anything wrong with this. Moderation.
Our parents wanted more social activities this year instead of meetings. We had a kick off Wine and Cheese Social/Meeting at a local hotel. It was very enjoyable with an informational meeting held after the cocktail hour. There was a cash bar.
We liked not providing the alcohol because we were not "promoting" it, but it was available for those who wanted to purchase their own. The food and room rental were donated by the hotel (a parent works there.)
We are a public school and did not hear any complaints from parents about alcohol.
Originally posted by LCC: How many organizations here sell or give away alcohol at PTO fundraisers? What type of resistance is involved? Are the fundraisers held on school property? In what region of the country are you located?
Sorry so many questions. I've just read on here where several offer cash bars at auctions and parent only activities. I'm wondering about the amount of money it brings in and if its worth the related issues that come from having a cash bar.
OUR INSURANCE COMPANY DOES NOT ALLOW ALCOHOL AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS AT SCHOOL. WE CAN AND DO INCLUDE NEW SEALED BOTTLES IN OUR AUCTION BASKETS. THIS YEAR WE ARE TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF HAVING OUR GIFT AUCTION OUT AT A PLACE WHERE A CASH BAR WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I'VE ALSO BEEN TO FUNCTIONS WHERE YOU WERE ALLOWED TO BRING YOUR OWN BOTTLES TO DRINK AT YOUR TABLES.
Originally posted by LCC: How many organizations here sell or give away alcohol at PTO fundraisers? What type of resistance is involved? Are the fundraisers held on school property? In what region of the country are you located?
Sorry so many questions. I've just read on here where several offer cash bars at auctions and parent only activities. I'm wondering about the amount of money it brings in and if its worth the related issues that come from having a cash bar.
In our part of Texas, I don't see any on-campus events that would have alcohol.
However, I have seen a few of the more affluent schools hold a big evening gala that included dinner, cash bar, big-ticket silent auction, etc. These type of events are generally held at a country club or some other such venue. We aren't in that league, but I wouldn't have a problem with such a situation. Similarly, I've seen PTOs and other groups host booths at festivals where alcohol might be served (by someone else). Again, not on the school campus.
It would be hard for me to imagaine an on-campus including alcohol that would ever be considered/allowed. But some of these other things would be okay as far as I'm concerned.
Having a zero tolerance school and being in the south, I would think that this sort of thing would NOT go over well, which is why I was so curious (and not to mention suprised) about alcohol at any PTO event. Nonetheless, something to consider if it goes over well at other locations. :eek:
