1)      Why is the reunion dinner and dance scheduled for August 2nd at Golden Gate Fields?


Last July we sent out an email via Classmates.com and Reunion.com asking people to vote on what time of year they’d prefer to have the reunion – the majority voted for late summer.

 

Our class is very large – more than 900 of us.  We figured that even if only 25% of us showed up, and only half of those with spouses, that’s nearly 300 people.  There are only a few places in Berkeley/Oakland/El Cerrito that can hold that many people.  So, we sent out another poll question, asking people how much they were willing to pay.  Based on those responses, we had a choice of two locations.  Both locations submitted bids – and the only late summer date available at either place was August 2nd.  Golden Gate Fields was more flexible with their pricing, has a bigger space (so we’re not confined to a 10 x 10 dance floor and if more of us show up, we won’t be cramped) and they were just generally easier to get information from and to work with.

 

2)      Why is the ticket price so high?


It’s not.  Really.  This is the Bay Area.  EVERYTHING here costs more. 

 

We opted to plan the reunion ourselves rather than go with a professional company (which would have been WAY easier) for two main reasons:  1) When a company does it, the list with the contact information for all of the class is THEIR property, not ours.  2) We could keep the ticket price $25 - $50 LOWER by doing it ourselves.

 

The basic starting point for the ticket price is that we have to pay Golden Gate Fields $59.31 per person (yes, that includes tax & gratuity, security, janitorial, room rental & the $35 per person for food.)  We’re being conservative (and frugal) with the assumption that we will be able to cover flowers, decorations, program printing, favors, entertainment, photo developing, picnic spot reservation, some of the basic supplies for the picnic, door prizes for the dinner event and all other miscellaneous costs with the additional $15 per person.  If you’d like to see the budget with the actual costs, just ask, we’re happy to send it to you.

 

Better yet, if you have a way to lower the costs – such as perhaps you can get us free (or seriously discounted) printing, or flowers or can donate favors or a door prize PLEASE step right up.

 

3)      What if I just absolutely cannot afford the ticket price?


We’re planning a get together at a local bar which should be free to come to.  The picnic will also be free.  Beyond that, contact us.  We hope that while we were conservative with the budgeting, that we did allow enough wiggle room for a few fee waivers for those who truly need one. 

 

4)      I’ve got some cool memorabilia from my BHS days – can I bring it?


Contact us – we’re going to have a display on-site, so if you’ve got letter jackets, yearbooks, programs, newspapers, etc. we’d love to have them on display.

 

If you’ve got pictures, contact us as well.  We’re putting together a video/slideshow and would love to have as many pictures as possible.

 

5)      The MIA list shows Joe Blow as missing, but I see him every day at work.


Then PLEASE tell him to go to http://bhs88.myevent.com and REGISTER.  Even if he has no intention of coming to the reunion, we want to try and locate as many of our classmates as we possibly can.

 

6)      I have a great idea for another reunion activity.


By all means, CONTACT US.  We’d love more help with planning and more importantly, implementation.

7.)   Will I receive something in the mail about the reunion?
No, you will not.  The addresses that we have for classmates are 10 - 20 years old, mostly out-of-date, and with no forwarding address information obtainable.  It is more cost effective to use the internet as a means of communicating information regarding the reunion.
 
9.)   After I buy my tickets, will I get something in the mail?
 
No.  Your name will be placed on a guest list.  You may bring your payment receipt with you to the event, if you want to ensure there are no issues when you arrive.
 
10.)   Can I buy my ticket(s) at the door?
 
We encourage you to purchase tickets online.  The venue requires a head count well before the date of the event.  Why?  They need to know how much food to buy & prepare, how many tables and chairs to set up, and how many staff will be required to service the event. 
 
With that being said, we realize that sometimes life is unpredictable, and if you suddenly find yourself available and able to come at the last minute, then please come on down!!!  BUT...if it's at all possible for you to buy your tickets early, please, please, please do so.