I work in a relatively small office. One of my colleagues came up with an idea that as a thank you to our lower-income employees (such as receptionists, etc), we should host a party for them. Basically there are about 10 of us higher-ups, and about 15 lower-guys. My colleague wants us to host a party not just for the employees, but also for the families. She would like for the 10 of us to pay for everyone's meals, drinks, the cost of renting a space, etc.
I have no idea how much the event will actually cost, but I've been to other events with my colleagues and there tends to be quite a bit of drinking, expensive food, etc. I believe this will cost $200 or more for all of us "higher-ups." Keep in mind that as a "higher-up" I'm still not rich - I make less than 6-figures, and I live a mustachian lifestyle. I don't really want to participate in this, but since my office is on the small-side, I know that it will look really bad if I don't. (Everyone will know that I refused to participate since there are so few of us).
I feel like I'm a bad guy if I don't participate and give $$, but I really don't want to. I don't mind being generous, but I tend to be very thoughtful with my money, and $200 could do a lot for the charities that I typically donate to, while it will bring a receptionist a pointless alcohol buzz for just one night.
Thoughts? Would you suck it up and pay, or take a stand and not pay?