Residents Pay for Annual Luau?

Our urban 200+ unit high rise, twin tower HOA has an active Social Committee, which hosts several indoor cocktail parties a year and puts on an annual Superbowl party/potluck. It organizes and caters an annual luau in our outdoor pool area. There's a really ample buffet and Mai Tai's. They charge $10 a person for this event. Residents pay at the PM's office by a deadline,and get on a list. I'm on the board and we've provided the Soc. Comm. with a good budget that could cover the luau.

Some residents complained this year about the cost to attend the luau and think it should be free. The Soc. Comm. argues that the only way they can know how much food/beverages to order is to have a head count in advance.

Others counter that if those who want to attend a free event sign up by a deadline, the Soc. Comm. would know how much food to order. Due to space limitations, there would be a limit on the # of guests to about 100. The Soc. Comm. argues that folks could change their minds easily for a free event, not attend, and that others who couldn't sign up due to the limit would miss the event.

Oh, yes, we directors have FAR more important matters to deal with here, but this has become a source of tension in our community.

Any advice or opinions on this issue?

John has a good idea, but here is another one.

- Lower it to $5
- Announce that every single dollar paid will be donated to some local charity, say children's hospital.

This way you are helping a good cause, you make sure that people that sing up are really interested in attending, and at $5 it's probably affordable by most.

Having an active social committee is wonderful and the sense of community it helps create is priceless. We are considering trying some 'free' events next year ourselves but wonder how we square the cost with owners who do not want to attend? Just to help set the scene for helpful replies - we have a few owners who even resent the fact that 1 renter uses the outdoor barbeque and that he has to pay for his gas!! We have an outdoor pool area and cabana and wanted to start with a monthly cocktail party (and yes I know we could all bring appetizers and our own drinks but....) Any suggestions on how to handle to social funds?

JohnN,
Our Social Committee has a budget for social activities. We think of these activities as amenities, We have many other amenities that aren't used by all residents, e.g., pool, gym, spa, lounge w/big screen TV, billiards room, etc. Owners still pay for them out of their monthly assessments whether or not they/their tenants use them.

I agree with you that social activities are priceless as they help foster a sense of community!