In reply to Pam Blizzard.

Pam Blizzard - I know there are expenses, however cover charges do prevent people from attending. WordCamps are free, Meetups can be as well.

I don't know about Sarasota but in Toronto we have a public library system with 98 branches. we met in one of them.

Don't you have any contacts that can offer some space for free? One of my employers has an office in Miami, FL. I used the board room for some community meetings (non work community groups). Work was fine with that. However they moved locations.

Isn't there a web design company, WordPress related company in Sarasota that could offer their office/board room for a couple hours a month? Start meeting people.

Also, putting a cover fee might prevent bigger donations. I am not going to pay cover charge and put down a $20. Which I have in the past.

I have absolutely no idea about the Sarasota area but there must be a WP-friendly company, at least one, in Sarasota