[jrussell]

For the first time ever, last year the club decided to try doing things a bit differently to try and keep the group closer together. The Austin group handled the parking lot dinner on Thursday, the Dallas group handled Friday night and Houston covered Saturday night. This was one of the best ideas we have had because it kept everyone together and more importantly, no one had to drive.
Each host city/group is at liberty to do whatever they want to do and also fund their night, which everyone gets to enjoy! There is no "cost" per plate which would imply we were asking everyone to pay to eat and that is not the case. What the Dallas group does is ask the members (Dallas) to make a voluntary contribution which will cover the meat(Brisket and sausage for sure, it all depends on the $$ contributed), and anyone can bring side dishes, deserts, plates, napkins, forks & knives, trash bags, etc,etc,etc. WE will buy as much BBQ as we collect $$ and we will all have a great time, all stay together each night, make new friends, eat and drink and form new bonds.
If you want to make a contribution you are free to do so but you are certainly not required to,but we DO expect you to be there every night, eat and drink with every one else and have a great time just like we all did last year!
I hope this shed some light for you,
See you there....IN A MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Russell
ps I am only speaking for the Dallas group here, but I imagine both Austin and Houston loosely follow the same idea