Melissa: I am not an attorney but one has to believe that a sale to an unknown party is just that--a sale. If there is something wrong with the product then they are liable and might get sued and are insured. Donating the saame items might, in my opinion, make them a party to the event (i.e. a sponsor) and liable--given our litigous nature sue everyone in sight (see above). It would not have to be a food induced problem--a fall, a chandelier drops on your head, etc;

Frankly, the organizers of the affair and those supplying the site are putting themselves at great risk to save a few bucks by not having insurance---again see above and my concerts at the local HS. Forget this "house concrt" nonsense. If a homeowners policy covers (doubtful for an event you are charging for) a concert who knows how much the insurance will cover given what some litigants ask for---my goodness--a hangnail worth $1,000,000.00. Hell of a hangnail.

By the way---not that I really care but the firehouse being used for parties also puts the place at risk---though I sincerely doubt they don't have insurance. As to local firehouses and the taxpayers---let me start on that road.

Bill Hahn