Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Good questions on MorningLine on NewsChannel5

Viewers had so many good questions this morning about the Music City Inaugural Ball that they're worth repeating and answering here. Host Nick Beres did a fabulous job as usual.

Q. Why are the tickets so high? I can only afford maybe $10 or $15. I'm on a fixed income.

A. An inaugural ball by simply its name cannot be so cheap. A ball requires formal dress, entertainment and a large cost for ballroom rental and insurance. It also requires weeks of planning and expenses.

But the Rev. Enoch Fuzz, co-chair event, explained the cost of the event to state pastors last Saturday:

"This is a historic event. You will receive $35 in food and drink. The rest of the money goes to 21 charities after expenses. The networking experience with important people is worth $100 itself. One couple getting married told that the cost was too high. I asked them, 'how much are you paying for your marriage?' Or your cell phone. Folks, this is an important event."

Still, I can understand the complaint. But I told the caller that this event also is about building a political coalition across racial, political and religious lines to fight for him to simply survive on a fixed income amid difficult economic times.

Q. What do I get for $100.

A. Food and drink worth $35. Entertainment of the highest quality for 13-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs to his equally talented wife Sharon White-Skaggs to Kennedy Center inductee and Gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones. Networking opportunities. Dancing and revelry. A chance to thank our men and women in uniform from Ft. Campbell for defending our freedom and Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in Iraq.

That's a lot for three and one half hours. You also will be able to watch the balls from Washington on big screen TVs.

Q. What should I wear?

A. Formal wear -- tuxedo for men, gown for women.

Q. What if I don't know how to dance for an inaugural ball?

A. There will be 30 people on hand to model the right behavior, courtesy and steps. Don't worry, be happy.

Q. What is The Obama Slide?

A. It is not part of ballroom dancing. It is a new dance being created by the Nashville Broncs. It will be ready next week.

Q. Can you tell me about who is going to be helped by my tax deductible purchase of a ticket?

A. See the two blog posts above for two of several profiles to come.

Q. How can I get tickets?

A. Go to www.volunteernashville.com to order electronically. You'll get the ticket at the door. For folks who prefer the phone, call the the Rev. Jackie Baugh at (615) 569-3010. You can write a check and pick up tickets from her or she will bring the tickets to you. Make your check out to: The New Hope Foundation.

1 comment:

Elyssa D'Educrat said...

I love it! Elyssa Durant, Nashville, Tennessee.