What would you do?

Whatever

A colleague at another company has the following problem. An old friend is being honored by a charity that my colleague doesn't normally contribute to. However, under the circumstances, she decided to spend $125 to go the dinner. When she contacted the organization, she was told that her friend had put her down as buying a table for $1250. My colleague doesn't want to end the friendship, but she, also, has no intention of spending $1250. What would you do. If it was me, after losing much sleep, I would tell the friend as diplomatically as possible that they have a lot chutzpah and that as a result, I couldn't attend the dinner. I'm curious what others would do.

Shadowfax

What's wrong with just telling the charity - or whoever is putting the shindig on - that there must be some mistake because you are not buying a table but will be happy to buy a ticket. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the colleague put you down for a table.

lnelson

I agree with Shadowfax it may not have been your friends fault. I would inform the charity that you are only purchasing the 1 ticket and leave it at that.

lhill

I would tell the organization that there must have been a miscommunication. Only one ticket was being reserved - for $125. Then I would tell the friend that there had been a mistake make, that the organization had received incorrect information. If friend admits he/she upped the ante, I'd say "sorry, count me out" and cancel the reservation sans donation.

Linda

lorrie

I also would tell the organization that I do not want a table, just the 1 ticket. (It is possible that the friend was pressured to name some 'potential' donors, and did not have the courage to contact those who were named.) I say buy the 1 ticket that was planned, send a congratulations card to the friend, and enjoy the dinner. No guilt (or anger) required.

HRLASS

I would tell the charity that there was an error, I was only purchasing the one ticket and had never committed for a table. Then I would tell the friend that the charity said I was down for a table (leaving out that they told me the friend put me down) which gives her an out to say "They misunderstood!". I would then explain, lightly, that though I support him/her, I am not interested in that extensive a committment to the organization, I have other allegiances (which they probably know already anyway).

LarryC

I agree with TN HR, but I would tell everybody involved to go to hell and I wouldn't even pay the $125.

Whatever

Update-the friend want to make a good impressions as a "fund raiser". So she put down several people as buying tables without thinking about the consequences. My friend will probably not attend the dinner (but she's wavering).

HRLASS

Some friend. I'd think twice on that one.
:-?