How would you spend $1000 as a store?

[kirashi]

The store I work at was nominated for Store of the Year in Customer Service, and even though we didn't win the grand prize, the nomination still netted us $1000 for our social fund. The social fund acts basically as a holding pool that we draw from for quarterly Appreciation Days, our summer and winter events, along with small holidays like Easter or Halloween.

 

What activity/event/adventure would you plan with $1000 in a group of ~30?

We're more looking to spend the money on an activity, outting, or event rather than a physical object.

We've done activities like skating, bowling, restaurants, and of course a yearly outdoor summer event before; and definitely will take suggestions on ways to improve those with the money. But on the other hand I'm looking for some more... elaborate ideas to just plain have a good time. The only rules to the suggestions would be that there are people of all ages from 14 to 60 at our store, so no skydiving or rave parties. :( Let's get creative! I'll start:

 

Rent a limo, get dressed up, take a walk on the Nanaimo waterfront, fancy restaurant, limo drops everyone off.

 

EDIT: we know each other well enough that we "youngin's" have our own bonfires regardless of age, but as a whole group all ages included, things can be kept appropriate and still feel like we're enjoying a neighborhood backyard BBQ as old friends.

[GeneralBear]

what type of store first of? would somthing techy work well?

[Mdgtman91]

cook out (where ever sounds good)

but with a scavenger hunt with a couple cool prizes

[kirashi]

what type of store first of? would somthing techy work well?

 

We sell everything from computers to office supplies to business cards, so it could vary, but as I have edited my above post, it's more an experience we're looking for rather than buying an object. What did you have in mind?

[Dim]

I'd probably host a large paintball game. Excellent for team building, but not everyone enjoys it.

Between 30 people though, you can't do as much -- that's still only $30 / person.

Depends on the general likes/dislikes of the people, maybe give them a few choices and see which ones are the most well received.

[GeneralBear]

a camping weekend?

[Dim]

Also, you said they're aged 14-60 - but how well does the crowd know each other? Are you co-workers or friends?
Camping weekend might be good if you know each other really well, but if you just work together maybe your best bet is really something simple. How big is your store? Maybe hold a celebratory evening with free food/drinks and get a bar and set up tables/tabs and just have a good chilled time?

[unidentical]

a kickass bowling and beers night for sure. 

[BlackOutCrisis]

I have to say it lol. Get ABUNCH of weed and go for a hike, I guarantee everyone will enjoy it :P

[fishymamba]

Another vote for Airsoft or paintball, great team building exercise and its fun! 

[kirashi]

Also, you said they're aged 14-60 - but how well does the crowd know each other? Are you co-workers or friends?

Camping weekend might be good if you know each other really well, but if you just work together maybe your best bet is really something simple. How big is your store? Maybe hold a celebratory evening with free food/drinks and get a bar and set up tables/tabs and just have a good chilled time?

Editing the post to reflect this, but yes, we know each other well enough that we "youngin's" have our own bonfires regardless of age, but as a whole group all ages included, things can be kept appropriate and still feel like we're enjoying a neighborhood backyard BBQ as old friends.

 

For those suggesting camping, I personally love the idea, and know many others who would as well, but as we're only closed 2 days of the year, it wouldn't be easy. Perhaps on a Saturday night so there's ample time to open Sunday might work; I'll throw the idea around.

[SKOONJar]

Wait a month go to newegg hq. Get a new haswell 4770k, mobo, and psu. Integrate the rest of my current sys

[Aphexx]

we did a white water rafting excursion once. it was a beginner river so it was exciting for both young and old. 

paintball is always awesome for me and the people I hang with but I'm not so sure it would be universally as fun. 

 

skydiving was another thing but we had to kick in some money of our own to do it. 

[kirashi]

we did a white water rafting excursion once. it was a beginner river so it was exciting for both young and old. 

paintball is always awesome for me and the people I hang with but I'm not so sure it would be universally as fun. 

 

skydiving was another thing but we had to kick in some money of our own to do it. 

Not that it would ever happen at our store, but I am curious as to how much Skydiving costs for a small group?

[SKOONJar]

Wait a month go to newegg hq. Get a new haswell 4770k, mobo, and psu. Integrate the rest of my current sys

Considering I'm selfish and don't have 30 friends that get along... Thats what I would do with 1k

[Aphexx]

oh dear lord.... that was almost 10 years ago. now I am depressed. but it was $150-180 each for 1 solo drop with 4-5 hour "crash" course. I think for us we only had to kick in $80 then again this was a year or 2 after they had a fatality at that skydive center. 

 

just looked at a few websites. its not about $250+

[kirashi]

Considering I'm selfish and don't have 30 friends that get along... Thats what I would do with 1k

Well, I'd do the same, but of course I'd spend it at NCIX instead on one of their warehouse sales.

 

oh dear lord.... that was almost 10 years ago. now I am depressed. but it was $150-180 each for 1 solo drop with 4-5 hour "crash" course. I think for us we only had to kick in $80 then again this was a year or 2 after they had a fatality at that skydive center. 

 

just looked at a few websites. its not about $250+

Hmmm.... Interesting. I thought it would be much more than that, but I guess as a crash course that's pretty darn good.