Charities

[Robert Boyd]

I have always known that panamanians think that americans are rich, but now I realize that americans think americans are rich. HOW in HEAVENS name with such a small foreign community can we be expected to support all the charities that are held here. Futhermore many of them, such as $35.00 per plate mystery theaters are way out of reach of most panamanians. I think these things are just for the foreigners because you need to help the poor panamanians who before you all arrived here must have been living in caves and barely surviving.

[Lee Zeltzer]

Bob in this case I both agree and disagree. Much as I want to go to the play I will not pay $35 a ticket on principal. If the BCP needs money to renovate Snoopys they should ask for donations not make them part of a ticket for a play.

This action does indeed discriminate, not just against Panamanians who might want to attend but against many other people who will not or cannot spend $70 for a dinner and a play.

I was one of the BCP members who was at the meeting where we voted to sign the lease for Snoopys and renovate it to create a community center. At that meeting it was discussed that there was probably not enough money to do the job so fund raising is important but I personally disagree with this fiscal discrimination as a way to raise funds.

BCP is on the road to becoming a social club for a more limited population no longer a community theater for the masses.

[Robert Boyd]

Thanks Lee, but I wasn't just addressing the BCP. I think there are too many charities; some of us can't possibly support all of them. And what do most of these charities really do? Some, I know are legit. But come on. Even the BCP money was originally supposed to go toward scholarships for aspiring boquetanos.
You and I don't pay B/.35.00 per person because we don't want too. But most panamenos can't afford to go. Probably just as well as it is a spoof about scammers in Panama. And yes, the community center idea for the masses is gone. I wonder what they will stiff you for tickets to the art show. REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

[Penny Barrett]

"What will they stiff you for tickets to the art show?"
They stiffed us $2.
I also agree with Rob and Lee that $35/ticket was way crazy. I would rather give them a $100 donation and pay $15 for a dinner show.
I don't think this kind of thing will happen again as BCP got a lot of negative feedback about it. There is obviously a need to make money to support the renovation of this great facility and I trust BCP will find a way to do it without resorting to the $35 ticket thing again.
Penny