MO2,
What a great idea to use the YMCA! That never occurred to me (and I'm a member!).
Getting a school gym is also a good idea, but I'm not sure if or how that would work for us. We are a charter school, and technically are part of the local public schools, but sometimes we get less than an enthusiastic reception from them. Still bears looking into, though.
Sorry, one more thought. For our big family events (bingo night, dance night,etc) I usually reserve one of the local high school cafeterias. I just have to fill out a building usage form in advance, indicate who we have insurance through,and if I will need any special equipment. So far I have never been charged for usage. Ask your school secretary for a form.
Check out reserving your local YMCA. I reserved ours last year for a father/son night. Since we are a non-profit it only cost $90. I just had to show proof of insurance. The big and little boys had free reign of the place, including swimming with two lifeguards on hand. I reserved it for a Sunday night because that was the only night of the week that wasn't booked. It was a blast. [img]smile.gif[/img]
We recently held our first ever family night, renting out a local movie theatre for a showing of Lilo and Stitch. We had about 90 people show up (our cost was $100). Those who attended thought it was a great idea - a chance to get something from the PPA instead of having to GIVE the PPA something.
Anyway, the two co-chairs and I (I'm secy/treas) are trying to come up with a fun yet inexpensive idea for our second night. Our problem is that we are strapped for space at school. We're a Montessori school, only 3-10 yrs. right now, and the building we're in right now does not have any kind of cafeteria or auditorium.
Does anyone have any ideas on what we could host that would be relatively inexpensive, and off-site, or any suggestions for cheap space rental?
