Ciao, and thank you for taking the time to come here to read about the membership card.

First of all, I would like to say, you don't have to purchase a membership card to be a member of Il Tavolo Italiano. Membership has been / is / and will be free. Purchasing a membership card does however have the potential to make your membership experience less expensive and contains good value. Let me explain.

This is the cost structure of Il Tavolo Italiano which is very simple.

1. At social events (meet-ups) we ask all members that do not have a membership card to contribute $1.00 to Il Tavolo Italiano. (they are also responsible for any costs such as meals at restaurants, cover charges etc when meeting at a public place)
2. Workshops cost anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00 for the entire course depending on what it is.
3. The annual membership card is currently $25.00 and good for 12 months. (This will probably increase in January)
4. Certain events are free such as new member orientation.
5. Tutoring is quoted individually

How can a membership card add value to and lessen the expense of my membership experience?

1. Card members do not pay the $1.00 meetup fee at social events. (we currently have 40 to 50 of these annually).
2. A membership cards gets you from $5.00 to $10.00 off the workshop price depending on the Workshop.
3. Card members also receive discounts at many of our sponsors. For example, as of August 2012 these included:

- Tuscan Bistro in Summerville 10% off of your purchase -

- Al-Di-La in West Ashley 10% off of your purchase -

- BACCO in Mount Pleasant 15% off of your purchase -

- HOW THOU ART? Cafe, Juice and Wine Bar, James Island 10% off of your purchase -

- La Fontana in West Ashley 10% off of your purchase -

- Apartment La Loggia in Radicofani (SI) Italy, $75 off of a weekly rental -

- In good taste wine shop in West Ashley 10% off of your purchase -

- Amalfi's in Mount Pleasant 10% off of your purchase -

- Farina Law Firm 10% off -

- Alessandra's in Summerville 15% off of your purchase

- La Fontana in North Charleston 10% off of your purchase

- Roma Tomatoes in Summerville 15% off of your purchase

- Osteria La Bottiglia in Charleston 15% off of your purchase

- The Wine Shop of Charleston 10% off of your "less than case purchase and 15% off of your purchase of a case or more.

You could easily save 3 times the cost of your membership card or more in that year!

Another reason for purchasing an annual membership card is that you are helping to support Il Tavolo Italiano and making it possible for us to continue to maintain the group at a minimal expense to all. We greatly appreciate your support !

If you would like to purchase a membership card, you can contact me at cwfromsc@gmail.com

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