Freeloaders

Having done events for over two years, there are always freeloaders trying to make their way in, without having to pay the $200, $500, $1.000, or $25,000 ticket fees to enter. If it's someone in their 20s, just looking to get a glimpse of the candidate, I understand.

The annoying freeloaders are those that are 40+, and know they should be writing a check to attend the event, but dont. Elected officials are notoriously known to be freeloaders, along with those that belong to the local Republican/Democrat party, or even at the state level. It is quite astonishing on how big the ego of freeloaders can be, thinking they are as important, if not more, than a donor raising $25K+.

Many times, we get phone calls like this.

Caller: "Hi, this is Joan calling from City Councilman John Smith's office. The councilman would like to RSVP to the event on May 5th, 2007."

Me: "OK great! Do you have all the information you need?"

Caller: "Yes, it's at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, etc..."

Me: "Great - will John be sending in a contribution by mail?"

Caller: "Um....let me check with him. Can I call you back?"

Me: *Chuckles* "Yes, sure - I'll be here until 6PM today."

The truth is, all that matters at a fundraiser is money, and if you can't bring the money, raise it, or get someone else to pay for you, you have no place at a fundraiser.