Hello
I agree with a lot of the other posts. You should definitely RSVP and collect the funds prior to the actual brunch. This will give you a more exact count of how many people will be attending and you can plan your menu around this number. It will also ensure that all financial bases are covered so that you won't be left with the bill!
Suggestions:
1. If the brunch is some ways away... mail out invitations that include info about the brunch and the alumnae can return the invitation with RSVP and check in the amount of $18 or give them the option to send a donation even if they do not attend the brunch. **You don't have to spend tons of money on invitations you can make them yourselves- all you need is some nice paper, a computer, and some creativity. The only thing that will need to come out of pocket is postage and if you mail them in bulk you can get a discount** ANOTHER GREAT SUGGESTION MADE WAS **I would suggest two prices for the brunch. $18 is paid by <date> and some higher amount if paid after that date. You'll find that it will really help out if you get the money up front.**
2. The suggestion about the raffle was a good idea. You can sell the raffle tickets during the brunch. The idea about the gift basket was really cool. It would be nice to include the different items mentioned and decorate the basket in your sorority's colors. Depending on how much your chapter has in it's treasury a sorority afghan would make a really nice gift. ** There is a SDT afghan currently on sale at
www.greekgear.com for $49.95 here's the link
http://store.yahoo.com/inarush/sigmadeltatau1.html **
3. Don't stretch yourselves too thin. You may have a small group but I am sure that you ladies can and will make it successful. Utilize committees... a committee for decorations & favors, a committee to handle invitations & RSVP, a committee to handle the raffle & prize, a committee to work on the itinerary and get excellent speakers. As far as speakers try to find an alumnae of the sorority that is very "prominent" in your community. Perhaps a news reporter for your local news stations is a member of your sorority, or someone on the city council, or an alumnae that is very active in your community working with other service based organizations!!! They can talk about the SDT and how it impacted their lives and helped them to achieve their goals or they can simply talk about sisterhood and what it means to them or issues that women face on a daily basis and how unity amongst women is necessary.
4. Sharing scrapbooks is a really nice idea... and it is something that you ladies can build upon. At a few selected tables have disposable cameras and ask the alumnae to take random pictures during the brunch. At the end have them return the cameras and you ladies can make a scrapbook for the actual brunch event. You can show it at future brunches or other events. ALSO as a "thank you for coming gift" you ladies can scan some of the pictures onto a cd and mail them to alumnae or you can scan the pictures onto your chapter's website (if you have one). Send out a mass email letting the alumnae know that pictures are able to be viewed at your website and provide them with a link
I have a lot of ideas... and maybe my ideas are not within your budget and that is totally understandable. Does your national governing body offer grants to chapters for things such as retention/recruitment or service projects? Or do you have an alumnae or two that would be willing to work with your chapter in planning the brunch and that would also be willing to make donations toward the success of the brunch?
Feel free to PM me if I can offer any other suggestions or be of any assistance
~Secretluv~