Since the BAFOE group was created on Meetup in May 2007, there have been no annual membership dues and no event fees for the regular soirees and gatherings. However, there are expenses to operate the group! These include the biannual fees I pay as group organizer to Meetup and the cost of printing badges.

To keep it simple and easy for everyone (me included!), I would like to invite members to make a small cash contribution at events. The suggested contribution is $1 per event, with a cap of $4 per calendar year regardless of how many events you attend. For example, after you've contributed $1 at any four events in 2010 (or a lump sum of $4 if you prefer), you will have fully contributed for the entire year. Note: this also covers the Peninsula Chapter events hosted by Marion but special events, if we have any, may involve a special event fee. 

Starting in March at the regular Sunday events, there'll be a contribution box on the welcome table for your contribution. Excess funds at the end of the year will be given to worthy international charities.

Many thanks again to everyone who RSVP'd responsibly for the events in February i.e. attended when they RSVP'd YES and changed their RSVP when they could not!

Both San Francisco events were full for quite awhile in advance and had lengthy waiting lists but there were many late cancellations (Super Bowl and weather-related?) which meant that some people on the waiting list unfortunately received notification too late to attend.

So, please remember to update your RSVP as soon as possible if your plans change. The sooner the better but try to make any changes at least 48 hours before the event starts to allow people who make it off the waiting list time to read their email and plan their weekends.

Photos from the European Expats Gathering on February 21 can be seen here.

Friends of Europe Soirée, San Francisco, March 7 (RSVP here)

European Expats Gathering, San Francisco, March 21 (posting to follow)

Peninsula Friends of Europe, Redwood City, March 28 (posting to follow)

Also on March 28, weather permitting, will be our first Pastis and Pétanque event of 2010 at Flood Park in Menlo Park. Details to follow closer to the date.

Some of you coming from the Peninsula, South Bay and East Bay have already found people to carpool with to events. If you are also interested in offering or sharing a ride, mention it in your RSVP comment. Other members will be able to contact you by going to your Meetup profile and clicking on "send email". You can then confirm the details directly with them.

Cheers, Geoff