I do agree that the teachers deserve a nice luncheon. And I also think that a pot luck style can be lovely, I have no problem with that. But if others don't agree then have you considered a compromise? I can think of lots of places that will cater for 45 people for WAY less than $1,000.

Perhaps order trays of food, and do the 'catering' part with your volunteers?

Or get sandwiches, soups and salads from some place like Panera Bread?

Suggest a dessert buffet? That will bring the cost way down.

Maybe set a max of $300-500 and use the other $$$ for something else?

It seems like way too much for something that isn't permanent. But the hospitality committee asked at the beginning of the year for $1000 to cater an end of year lunch for our 45 teachers (and probably for all the staff). We said that we couldn't afford it, and that it would be equally nice to have a big potluck lunch with parents bringing in various dishes (that's how we did it at my last school, and the teachers loved the variety of food).
Anyway, we ended up making a good profit from our carnival, and now the committee is planning to come to the next meeting and ask for the $1000 again. The principal is backing them, saying that the teachers look forward to this catered lunch. But, think of what $1000 could buy! And we could provide a very nice lunch with donations! I'd feel a little sleazy voting to allocate that much money to entertain the teachers. Are there any PTA recommendations against using funds in a way that don't impact kids at all?
J