How to Plan a Class Reunion

debodun

debodun

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Location
way upstate in New York, USA
My high school 50th reunion will be next year, if we have one. I contacted the person that put it together the last time and she said she is not going to do it this time because her husband passed away 3 years ago and she just isn't in the mood to do it.

Not only that, I have no idea what to do first, where all the alumni live now, how to contact them if they are even still alive, and whether to book a venue or wait to see how any are interested. Most banquet halls like to know how many guests there will be, but if I wait to hear from anyone, it may be too late to set a time. Some people may want to know where and when it will be held before committing. What a mess!!!
 

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You could start by contacting her. She may have the mailing list from five years ago.

Maybe you should go easy on her. I’ve known people who were in mourning for several years. Do you ever get over it, if it’s someone very close to you?
 
911 said:
Maybe you should go easy on her. I’ve known people who were in mourning for several years. Do you ever get over it, if it’s someone very close to you?
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I can only speak for myself and my answer is "Yes, very easily." I took one day off of work for my dad's funeral and we had a close relationship. Perhaps a marriage relationship is different, but I have not had any experience with that.
 

I was one of 7 that helped put together our 50th last year. We started the planning about 18 months before the event. We were fortunate in that we did have a 40th reunion and one of the gals on our committee had put together that one. So she had many of the addresses and emails.

Beyond that,we subscribed to a People Search site and found many that way. We also compiled a list of those we could not find and sent that to all whose addresses we did have. Usually someone would have info on at least one or two missing people.

Once we had chosen a date and had responses from as many classmates as possible,with a YES or at least a MAYBE,we booked a venue. In our case,the venue had two rooms where they could accommodate us,depending how many we were going to be. Deposits of half the amount had to be received by, I think it was,6 months before the event.

We knew very quickly that we would have to reserve the larger room-but then,we always were a very responsible class and everyone came through in a timely manner;). We all got together every few months to discuss food,decorations and activities. It really did turn out great. As for me,I had a pretty crappy time,as the afternoon of the event,while we were setting up,I received notice that we were being evacuated at home due to a wildfire.

So my mind was on that for the entire event,worrying about my animals and my home. It all worked out but boy,that was terrible timing! Anyway,it was a lot of work and definitely not a one person job-unless you had a very small class. I can`t remember now how many were in our class but we had close to 100 classmates attend,as well as about 60 spouses.
 
Problem is people move. It is likely that many don't live where they did 10 years ago, Also, women are going by their married last names, not the name remembered from school, or re-married. I even know one that also changed her first name.
 

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