I know! Honestly, he's a really nice person, and usually he doesn't get too involved in the fundraising and lets the chairs do as they see fit.I just don't understand why he insists on having what could be a simple, nice event, such a big thing. I'm wondering if this is why no one would chair the Gift Auction last year.

Sounds like the "principal" should get up off his laurels and help you do some looking!!!! d

Snuffy's isn't really far (about 15-20 minutes) but the principal didn't think people would want to drive 22 to get there, and didn't know if everyone would know the back roads. I tried the Kenilworth Inn (that's actually where my family has many affairs) but the cheapest for a sit down would have been $35... buffet was much cheaper but like I said earlier,the principal wants a sit down affair. The Westwood's menu wasn't appealing to the principal (though I would have tried to see if they would have done what we wanted if he showed *any* interest), Costa Del Sol was another that I looked at where it would have cost $27 per person, but again the menu was an issue, Aliperti's was $30 per person, but Galloping Hill is closer, so I think that is why he is leaning towards having the event there. I was thinking of maybe having a dj, but didn't know how that would work - would they be the one to call numbers too, or just provide the music? I also need to find out how soon before the event starts that the hall will let us in to set up....

Doodlebug,
If you have not put down a deposit yet for Galloping Hill (been there many times, very workable venue), please read on:
I attend an event every year at the Lafaire on Route 22 that is a school auction. They have it on a Thursday night instead of Friday to keep cost down. They charge $28 a head and we get a salad, chicken with veggies and pototaes, chocolate mousse for dessert, coffee and tea. Food is good, nice atmosphere, linens, round tables, decent PA system, all the amenities that you expect at a scaled up event. THere is a cash bar open all night. I know that the place rakes in the money at the bar. THere is a side room adjacent to the main hall that is used to set up the auction items.
If you haven't gone there, check it out. If you have gone there and they wouldn't work with you, cite the information above.
How about Snuffy's on Rt. 22 in Scotch Plains? Is that too far? Or the Westwood in Garwood? Holiday Inn in Kenilworth also has large rooms available. Again, if you have signed the contract already, all the above is moot.
Something else to consider is hiring someone (preferably cheaply) like a dj to host the event. We looked into this but our budget didn't allow it. I have been to auctions that use these types of people and they really help to make the evening more fun.
I also agree with Shawn - sounds like your principal is on a power trip AND since he/she has mandated the type of event, they should also be very, very involved in insuring it's success.

In the past we have held our dinner/auction at a country club. We have had parents who are members and if a member reserves the clubhouse it’s either free or very inexpensive but you have to use their caterers. We have also held ours at a museum. The price of admission included dinner only but allows the attendees to tour the museum as a perk as well as have a nice seat down dinner. We charged the exact price of the dinner to our families. The caterer provided the servers as part of his cost and the bartenders (we just provided tips for the bartender services). We did a program for the auction that includes all the items donated, the value of the donation, thanks you, list of donors, etc. We sold ads for the program to local business to help cover the cost of the printing and the rental of the facility. We had a gentleman who is an auctioneer on the side donate his time for the live auctions for the cost of dinner. We have had alumni volunteers help sell raffle tickets the night of the event. We have less then 150 students in our school and I’m happy to say we cleared $18K this past year. I don’t know how a tricky tray auction runs but I suggest you start sending our your donation request now. When are you planning on having this event?

Couldn’t you still use the bingo hall have the event catered and decorate the hall to make it look nicer? Is this an option with your principal?

Where does the membership want 2 have the auction at? It is a school or PTA/O function. Someone needs 2 sit down with Mr Spender Principal and layout the pros/cons of a $30 dinner/auction. They'rd be a revolt at our old school (just moved) for the prices you've suggested. Dont mean 2 sound harsh but simce when does 1 person decide how an event should be done.

as 4 suggestions... Local HS Jazz Band 4 entertainment or HS Choirs, dont forget Pep or Glee clubs (do they have 'em any more), Boy Scuts/Girl Scouts, School Student Council, maybe get a local biz 2 sponsor the cost of the Banquet room ie. Bob Big Scren TV present Anytown PTA/O Auction)