Thanks for the transparency, Doran. I dig it. Tried to run my business that way in Texas before my customers lost all their money and couldn't buy my product. It was an open book - my fees were right there on paper, and the customer paid my cost for everything else, including discounted items. I didn't pad pockets with mark-up by selling things at retail I could buy cheaper somewhere else.
As far as Rathbun goes - I don't plan on any changes. The way I see it, everyone has to make a reservation anyway - it might as well be with Reserve America for the site (since they are numbered sites). I don't ever plan to use the event to make money. If I can keep soliciting small donations from Rathbun Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses, this pays for the food, trophy, etc. The tips received are very much appreciated, very humbly accepted, and never expected.
I agree with Gregg's idea. I wasn't there, but I know what's involved in trying to put it together - how many things can look like they're going right until the last minute, how many changes have to be accommodated on the fly ... if there are funds available to take care of something for Tim & Maggie, I'd say go for it. I wasn't in attendance, so I know my funds aren't in the pot and I shouldn't really get a say, but I enjoyed the pictures and updates from everyone who did attend, and I appreciate everyone's effort to pull it off.