Volunteer "appreciation"

[IndianInlaw]

I was a volunteer at the public library (10 years!).  The first year I was there, they gave a potluck luncheon for us.  Only thing was...they asked the employees to provide the food.  Their reasoning was, we helped the employees.  The employees, by the way, weren't invited.  I felt very awkward about this, since I'm sure the employees (whom I adored) didn't ask for our help. 

How cheesy was that?

They didn't have another one for many years.  Next time they had a modest catered event, that was, bar none, the loveliest social event I had ever attended.  Except when the singer they hired, dedicated all his songs to his mother...but that's another story.

[sammycat]

Except when the singer they hired, dedicated all his songs to his mother...but that's another story

   Sounds like it could be a very interesting story...

[Clara Bow]

I want to follow you around one day...you get into more crazy stuff!

[Lisbeth]

If something along these lines happens in the future, you could offer to reimburse the employees.

[Sirius]

Unless it was something like providing food for a family for after a funeral, if I was asked to provide food for a function I wasn't invited to, I'd refuse. 

[IndianInlaw]

Keenreader, this is the staff of a large city library.  Who knows who made what?

I just felt so tacky

[IndianInlaw]

Sammycat, the singer is a brother in law of sorts to this guy:

http://www.amazon.com/Brit-Among-Hawkeyes-Richard-Acton/dp/0813821908


Think "Nathan  Lane".

[MadMadge43]

Unless it was something like providing food for a family for after a funeral, if I was asked to provide food for a function I wasn't invited to, I'd refuse.

I would have contributed even though I wasn't invited because I would feel they deserve a thank you. But then you'd think they'd want us to be there to thank them personally.  It is weird.

[freakyfemme]

If I was an employee, and I was asked to contribute to the volunteer appreciation potluck, but not invited to attend, I'd contribute a token item, like cookies (either store-bought, or made from Pillsbury dough).  If I was a volunteer, and I was invited to partake in a potluck provided by employees who were to be subsequently excluded from the festivities, I wouldn't go.