For those schools that had cash bars - did the function take place at school or a different location? Was there ever a problem with having alcohol available at a PTO event?

We did not charge anything to get into our auction. We served a pre-ordered/pre-payed BBQ dinner...had a DJ donate his services for a dance for very little money ($75.00) plus we had a live auction auctioneered by our PTO president.

We are a K-5 school with 500 kids & made $10,000.

We charged $30 per person last year. For that, you got an adults only evening at an elegant local historical site with catered Mexican dinner (cash bar) and mariachi musicians. I think a half dozen tickets were raffled free for teachers. Our public school has 700 students, we had 150 auction tickets, and we made about $19,500 profit.
Some parents complained that it was too expensive.

[ 09-15-2003, 11:30 PM: Message edited by: Soccermother ]

We had a adults-only night with appetizers and desserts soft drinks and coffee (and a cash bar); there was a DJ during the silent auction and food, and then the live auction. We charged $20. We made $16,000.

Mother of 3, how big is your school?

When we used to have a Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction all the food was donated and cooked by volunteer parents so we changed $6.00 per person for dinner, a drink, coffe and dessert.

When we went deluxe two years ago with a Cinco De Mayo theme and Silent Auction we went "adults only" had a catered Mexican Dinner with a DJ for dancing, dessert, coffe and a bar (you paid by the drink for Beer and margaritas) we charged $20.00 per person.

But you really have to watch you school population when deciding these events and the amount you charge. If you price the average family right out of the event they won't be able to come and eat much less support your auction.

Whatever you choose good luck and much success!!

Rae

Our event is not black tie, but we do serve appetisers, dinner, desert and goumet coffee from higher end restaurants. We also have a dance after the live auction.