Memorial buffet with no budget
Rae
10/01/11 		I am heading up the food arrangements for a memorial in two weeks. We are planning on 200. I work catering so I am fine with many of the details, but that is with a budget.I would love some ideas on how to organize the volunteers in bringing the food I need without me supplying everything. Hoping to have structured menu( basic buffet ) instead of pot luck surprise! Thanks !
ellen
10/01/11 		I am going to look up a work sheet I did for some one for a big potluck, which would help you. Basically you need to have people sign up for a type of dish and amount, then fill in what is not signed up for. Sometimes, you want to do an entree type dish (some memorials are whole meals, others mid afternoon snacks) and the beverages and let others do the rest.
ellen
10/01/11 		Here is a sample sheet for 100 for a full meal.

One thing you want to do, is try to keep costs about the same for everyone. You do this in part by dividing up the various categories differently, for example, meat/ entree for 6, but veggies or potatoes/rice for 10. Thus, you end up with different numbers of sign up slots under different categories.

I also help people out by putting examples under each category.

Here is a sample:

POTLUCK SIGN UP SHEET FOR 100 PEOPLE

Appetizers- 6 items- 16 servings= example 1 1/2 pounds cheese or 1 quart dip plus 18-24 ounces chips, crackers breads
Salad or veggie tray- 8 items- 12-16 servings= example 2-3 pound veggie tray with dip or 2 pounds salad with dressing
Main Course-16 items- 6 to 8 servings= example large whole chicken or 2 pounds meatloaf or 2 impossible pies or quiches
Veggies 6 items- 12 to 16 servings= example 9x13 casserole or 3 quarts/3 pounds veggies
Potatoes/rice, etc. 8 items- 12 servings= example 9x13 casserole or 3 quarts rice pilaf
Fruit- 10 items- 10 servings= example 12 inch fruit tray, 10 pound whole watermelon
Bread 6 items- 16 servings= example 2 loaves French bread, 16-20 rolls or biscuits plus butter or spreads
dessert- 8 items- 12 servings= example a 2 layer cake, 2 small pies, 9x13 cobbler or cake, 24 small cookies or bars.
Your Special Dish- 10 items= please indicate item and amount- remember, everyone will want to try some!
Ice, Non-alcoholic Beverages, Paper goods will be supplied by the hosting team. BYOB for alcoholic drinks.

ellen
10/01/11 		Do leave a place for the name, how many people they are bringing so you can get a guest count (if it is not an office function) and a slot for an email or phone contact- you may want to call someone.
You can also suggest fruit salad or other sweet salads under fruits; Waldorf, etc.
you can use the extra "slots" notice it doesn't quite add up to 100- for the supplies.