People need a place to sit. They aren't going to stand around for hours mingling. You buy the table you get the perks that go with it. Find a group of friends and buy your own table. |
Clearly you are unfamiliar with fundraising and gala dinners. It's ok to just sit this conversation out. |
I don't donate and skip. |
I’ve taken to just being honest - “It’s not my thing.” |
Ha. Actually you have no idea. This is a life I live lots of events and galas and on several boards. Regarding school events I don’t think it is a great idea. I stand by that. We know a ton of people btw - but it would be better for people like op. |
NP. Wow. Take a downer. YOU sound impossible. These things are awkward for someone who isn't part of the in-crowd. And not everyone is comfortable with asking someone else if they could join them at a table, or do a table together. And as someone on the auction committee, you should have absorbed the part about how they contribute to the auction. If you are talking about having enough people to bid, then help change the system so people are left out like this. |
+1 a little empathy can go a long way |
Same situation as you OP. I've told people I don't know that many people and laugh it off as to why I'm not going. DH doesn't like to attend so if I go, I'm solo. Funny thing is I've probably met 10 people this year who also use the same excuse and aren't going, we could have formed our own table! |
I think you might be the silent majority on this one. |
Or, you know, they’re having a good time while supporting their kids’ school. |
Jan, really, it’s okay to not have experience on this topic. A lot of us are the slightly nerdier ones who don’t have too many friends anyway. I promise, no judgement if you don’t come back. |
older parent advice: Just go and also really dont worry so much about it! It will not be nearly as scary as you feared. |
I always blamed it on my husband's work schedule. |
That happened to me a couple years ago too! It does happen occasionally. I’ve been in the private school circuit for about 15 years now (4 kids!) and have only been to a handful of these things. |
I’ve been and I politely disagree. I also hate ice breakers at work conferences. I get the same feeling from these. |