1st Birthday Party

[Hattie'sMama]

I have no idea where to post this, so please feel free to inform me if there is a better place :)

In the spirit of simple living, my husband and I are planning to celebrate our daughter's upcoming 1st birthday at an awareness walk for people with down syndrome. We are having a "team" in her honor and asking people to donate to the organization instead of giving gifts. The walk will have a party like atmosphere with live music, activities for kids, playground, etc.

My problem is what to do after. It will end around noon and people will be hungry. My husband wants to do a "birthday lunch" at a nearby Applebee's, but it seems like people will expect us to pay for it. Even if not, it feels uncomfortable expecting people to travel, pay $20 to participate in the walk, then buy their own lunch at Applebee's. I'm just not sure how people will interpret the phrase "birthday lunch." Any ideas?

Also, any suggestions for inexpensive meals to serve if we decide to provide lunch? We may have a LOT of people to feed, since we are trying to get a lot of money raised for the group. And it has to be something that I can just make appear out of nowhere, since I'll have been participating in the walk itself all morning.

[happyhippie]

Wow, that's a great idea!

Well, we met at a beautiful park, and it was a potluck picnic. We had roasted chicken, salads from different family members, and someone else brought the drinks. All we provided was the cake (which turned out to be strawberries and angel food).

Some might find it tacky, but it worked well for us since we are on a super limited budget. Also, our families were more than happy to have a "potluck".

Good luck!

[K1329]

Is this an event you're sending birthday invitations to? And guests then pay a 20.00 donation as a gift? Just to be sure I understand.
If so, I don't think you can then ask them to buy themselves lunch after. I think, for a really large group, I would either start the day meeting somewhere with the group, thank everyone for coming, and serve cake and sing happy birthday before the walk. Then your "party" obligations are over and your guests can enjoy the music, entertainment, etc. Or, at the end of the event, have a meeting spot close by (maybe a park shelter?) and serve cake, drinks, and finger sandwich type menu.

[LaughingHyena]

I would just let people know that there are things to do at the end of the walk so "bring a picnic and we'll supply the birthday cake"

[crunchy_mommy]

Originally Posted by LaughingHyena 

I would just let people know that there are things to do at the end of the walk so "bring a picnic and we'll supply the birthday cake"

I like this idea. Or if you can afford it, order pizza or subs or whatever to be delivered at noon. Throw in a few bags of chips and some drinks and everyone should be happy.