But not all galas are so frugal. Consider the Go Rodeo Roundup, an annual event held the same week as the Witte dinner that benefits the San Antonio Livestock Exposition scholarship fund. R. Keith Martin, the exposition's executive director, said the event's reputation is built on Nashville stars, forcing up entertainment costs. That is 10 or 12 kids who get to go to school. The San Antonio Sports Foundation made 23 cents on the dollar on the new Hall of Fame Gala in 1996.
Galas often cost more in their first years.
Foundation officials did not supply more recent financial data, despite repeated requests. The IRS, which audits less than one of every 50 tax-exempt organizations each year, dislikes such spending but does little about it. I hate to see that in print because I don't want to give anyone ideas, but 50 cents is a lot better than some of them do. It's not that we like it either. The Texas attorney general has asked the Legislature to require charities to register with the state and submit financial reports, but efforts have failed.