I just sent this to the email list. Posting it here for those that have not pre-registered yet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone!
Countless hours have finally gotten me to this point. When I took on the project of doing a local Disney Fans Gathering in New Jersey 6/2004, I never realized how much work would be needed to make it happen.
Today, I can honestly tell you all that it was NOTHING compared to what we have had to do for the 2005 meet and this is still the beginning!
I can say with confidence that we are at the first and most important hurdle. My wife and I are ready to sign on the dotted line. This means "we" are responsible for "all" payments.
I would like to simply take this time to ask for some support from our little gathering of friends. Many of you have filled out the pre-registration form but I want to confirm your intent to attend. We need to know that when I start asking for money next week, we will get enough rolling in to start covering the minimum deposit which is more than likely going to be $1000 as of right now.
You should also know that all attempts have been made to keep the costs down as much as possible but at the same time, we are trying to make this a gathering like no other. As of right now, we are looking at about $42 to $44 a head for adults and $15 to $17 a head for children 12 and under. Children under 3 will be free. Adults will have a sit down lunch with choice of chicken or beef. Children will have a buffet style lunch with choice of 4 offerings. Desert, cakes, and unlimited soda will also be offered. You should also know that a portion of your admission to the event will be given to a local charity that gives needy children trips to Disney. (More on that later.)
As for the hotel, I have been able to take a place that was asking $149 to $179 a night for rooms and bring them down to...are you ready....$89 a night! My wife and I are extremely pleased with this and I hope you are as well. We also hope that you will all consider staying a night and really making a weekend out of the event.
So there you have it. A peek into what we have been working on. I promise to tell you more plus show you all lots of pictures of the hotel and banquet hall as soon as the contracts are signed.
Remember, my wife and I are not in this to make money. We won't come out ahead or break the bank doing this. It's for all of us and a few more.
Are you with me? Chime in troops!
Thanks, as always, for your support. Let's make this one hell of a party!
Fred
