Question about awards party etiquette?

Question

My Xboss whom I have had little contact with in the last 5 years mailed me an invite to a lrg party/charity event in which she will be honored. She also enclosed a card stating how much it would mean to her if she could see my partner and I there. She is also the head chair of this charity where she will be honored. The tickets are $75. I orginally thought that this was an exclusive event, but it is a public event held at a large venue. I have sent her a number of invites over the years to parties/events other FREE functions in which I would be hosting and she has never shown up or called. I also send her a chistmas card every year and she never has sent one in return.
I know that she has always been an ultra selfish person but I think this really takes the cake! She wants me and my partner to shell out $150 to go to an awards event that she prob voted her self into?!? I feel guilty about it,so I sent a check to the charity and put on the memo that I was her friend. Thoughts?

Should I also send her/leave voice mail a thank you for the invitation and tell her we can't make it?

Yeah it is my exboss not current

Answer 1

I agree with you, but don't risk your job. Send her a rsvp and tell her congratulations; how much you wish you could attend and create a prior engagement. I guess I'd consider an inexpensive bouquet of flowers, too--but that's not really necessary, but she sure can't complaint if you make an extra effort.

Answer 2

I think you've got the right idea. Take the high road here. Dissing her won't do you any good or make her any less selfish. Send her a nice card congratulating her on the honor and expressing your regrets that you can't make it but that you appreciate that she thought of you.

Answer 3

I'm with you on that! That's just tacky. I wouldn't go. I'm not sure I'd even acknowledge the "invitation". Buf it I did anything it would be a "thank you for thinking of us but we won't be able to attend" note.