What would you do?

Whatever · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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

Whatever · September 2005

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 · September 2005

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

What would you do?

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