[MR] High Table

[Lady Ro]

I have tried to stay out of this, but I cannot.

After working for a 501(c)(3) organization for over 12 years, and being a
tax compliance geek (hangs head in shame), it is my belief that offering
feast to those who have not paid for it violates the IRS rule against using
funds of a non-profit organization to benefit private individuals.  Yes,
it's a hard-line attitude, and it is consistent with the actions of the IRS
as I have seen them over that dozen years.  The IRS is not equal to hugs and
puppies.

I believe it also violates Kingdom Financial Policy.

What I believe about the demands in the August Acorn and the implied
threats, I have communicated to their Highnesses.  I have not received a
response to that missive.

His Highnesses contention that there is no cost for added guests because the
food is already paid for displays a logic I cannot follow.  I have seen how
the Bright Hills Cook's Guild works to put on our feasts.  I can only think
of one time that food was "left over" - and I believe that Baron Chirhart
and Dame Olwen purposely created 2 extra pies so that my late Mother, who
was in the hospital on her birthday, which was also Mother's Day, would not
have to eat hospital food that day.  Perhaps other groups do not figure or
budget as tightly.  To them I cannot speak.  (And the time that I took the
pies to my Mom, I worked the kitchen all day,and paid for feast, which I did
not eat.  I figure those two pies were paid for!)  Because we work so
stringently in all event expenses, we are solvent.

All that being said, I also say that as long as I am Exchequer in Bright
Hills, and anytime I run troll, I will be placing a donation container at
the Troll table, so that any friend of The Crown that they wish to eat with
but is too poor to pay for feast can sit at the table with them.

As Exchequer, I take my job seriously to ensure that my Barony remains
solvent, and to guard her funds.   I deeply regret that I am unable to fund
dinners for the Crown's friends, but while my heart is willing, my
pocketbook is limited.

I am disheartened by this turn of events.  I am saddened by this behaviour.
I still believe in the ideals we profess.

In Service to my Barony and Kingdom


Baroness Roana de Laci
Exchequer, Bright Hills

http://ladyrowansplace.livejournal.com/