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 $20.00 to $45.00 for the entire course depending on what it is.
3. The annual membership card is currently $25.00 and good for 12 months.
4. Certain events are free such as new member orientation.
5. Tutoring is quoted individually
Out of those funds I then take care the expenses related to maintaining Il Tavolo Italiano.
We are not a "non-for-profit" entity and all proceeds are recorded, declared and appropriate taxes are paid. - If you would like to know what type of expenses the group has you can see a sample list at the bottom of the page.
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. Card members also receive discounts at many of our sponsors. For example, as of September 2011 these included:
- Tuscan Bistro in Summerville 15% off of your purchase -
- Bella Napoli in North Charleston 10% off of your purchase -
- wineawhile in Mount Pleasant 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
- Cuoco Pazzo in Mount Pleasant 10% off of your purchase
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
Sample list of typical expenses in maintaining Il Tavolo Italiano
1. Maintaining the two websites
2. Registration of domain names
3. Annual programming costs
4. Website Rental for Meetup and Podbean
5. Burning of CD's
6. Printed hand outs
7. Posters and other sponsor materials
8 Computer and related software / hardware to maintain the above.
9. Miscellaneous expenses including (this year) throwing the 2011 Anniversary party
10. Taxes on the monies brought in
11. Legal fees, etc
12. Various educational and teaching materials
13. Administrative help.
14. Compensation for time spent working on administrating the group
