Find a larger space to hold it in!!

“Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family"

Virginia Satir

Capedad: It is possible to free events the only draw badk to that is it makes it impossible to know or have some idea as to how many to expect. We have had "next to free" events by charging a very minimal charge. Example the first time we had a free bowling party we had no idea how many to expect and we had an unexpected small crowd. But the next time, we had a bowling party, cost for non-members bowling was $5 for 2 games and 2.50 for food (these were the actual cost from the bowling center) members were charged $1.00 this way we had an idea as to how many to expect.

Cape Dad,

great solution. Outdoor movie nights are awesome! We call them "Movie Under the Stars" or "MUTS". One suggestion though...if you wait til after daylight savings, then you can start the movie whenever you want (like dinner time and later). Before the "clocks are moved back" - you have to wait until about 8:30 pm to get the lighting right so you can see the movie. It's just too light outside and the movie won't show up well. We learned that the hard way. Just a tip I thought I'd pass on. Have fun.

We held our first free events last year (Movie Night). We can accomodate about 250 people comfortably. We have over 700 students. Despite some VERY strong negative expectations from one out spoken member, the event went on fine. We never get 100% participation in an event, even a free one. We managed a wait list for the overflow, but in the end, had empty seats. People understood that there was a capacity limit and a ticket request deadline. We required ticket rsvp - not just show up at door.

I was prez last year and --out of 580 families-- I got ONE phone call from a mom who just wanted to know if the PTO would hold another movie night that year. She wasn't upset, just curious. Had we done another movie night, we would have given the wait listers first priority. We also had 2 free Donuts with Dad (no wait list) and no complaints there either. Hosting a free family event is such a GREAT way to give back to your customers.

Looks like our free event will be a Movie night, outdoors.

It's the only way we can hold everybody.

Thanks for everyone's comments.