fandomhigh | Political Campaigning (Thursday, March 23, 4th period)

"Today we're going to talk about planning a fundraising event," Josh said, pacing around the room. "The most important thing to remember is that the entire point of a fundraising event is to raise money. You might have the greatest idea for a party in the history of history, but if it costs you more than you made, it's stupid. Also, you're normally tossing these things together with at most two weeks' lead time, so they have to be realistic."

He waved his hands. "Events, done right, can generate momentum for your campaign, can be used as a reward for major donors, can help you build your list of contributors, and can give you a specific deadline for getting money into the campaign. However, they can also be a gaping black hole of a time-sucking pain in the ass."

He grinned. "They tend to fall into several basic categories: dinners, receptions, breakfast/luncheons, and home parties. Home parties are the cheapest for the campaign: someone else, normally a major donor, comps the food and forms the guest list. All you have to do is show up. Dinners can be huge catered things where you can charge ungodly amounts of money for rubber chicken dinners. The other types fall in between, and are good to spread around throughout the campaign schedule." He raised his eyebrows. "If you are going to be doing this for a living, the fundraising things start to be thought of as dinnertime. And sometimes the only time you get out of the office. But remember that campaign staff won't be paying for the food--make sure you've got some actual people there to raise some funds."

Josh sat down. "Okay. Form into pairs--I don't care with who--and plan me a party. Decide how many people you'd invite, how much you'd charge, and what kind of thing it would be. Bonus points if you don't serve chicken or chili."

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"I was hurt," Jake informed her, pouting. "Hurt and wounded."

"Of course you were," Rory said seriously. "I'll bring you coffee, though. Will that make it better?"

"Only if it's very good coffee," Jake said solemnly.

"As if I would ever provide anything substandard."

"That is true. All right, you are forgiven."

"Yay!"

Rory looked at her notes. "Okay, what do we want to do for thingy?"

"Irish coffee," Jake said firmly.

"That's the theme of the party?" Rory asked skeptically. "Or what we would serve?"

"It can't be both?" Jake asked, blankly.

"It's a little narrow for a theme, isn't it?" Rory said practically. "Though we could widen it to all coffee."

"We could do that," Jake agreed, not being one to turn down lots and lots of coffee in any variation. "We could have coffee beans for decoration!"

"Give away mugs for favors and have silent auctions for various types of coffees and makers!" Rory continued.

"Best party ever!"

"We would get a great turnout," Rory nodded.

"I should reckon so," Jake agreed. "Oh, cakes. We should have cakes."

"Weetiny cakes, or big ones?"

Jake pondered. "Lots of weetinies, and a couple of big ones?"

"Ooh, and they could be like, tiramisu, or something that has coffee in it," Rory added enthusiastically.

"Dude, you're so smart!" Jake gave her an admiring look. "Do you think we're, like, related? Because we think the same some times, you know."

"Seriously, you and Jaye," Rory said, shaking her head. "Do you have any Gilmores in your family? Or Haydens? Because it's totally possible."

"I have no idea. I could ask dad, he'd know." Jake looked thoughtful. Then he made a 'omg yuck!' face. "Ew, I kind of hope not, now, 'cause I'm not into kissing relatives."