Here is the Explaination for extra $5 for Dinner:

Because of the 'no playoffs' - extra 2 weeks, and Finals = $50 ;(may be extra for Holidays), there is not enough revenue collected, as usual. We have another week coming up, which puts in .50 cents each more. Without this extra revenue, the cost of the dinner is not covered.
It is approx. $18 per ticket for plate, depending on prices (go up every year) & cake.
# of weeks X .50 per week =
As per yearly Balance equasion TBPL uses - (Captain's notes)
1st 2weeks of revenue = Prizes/trophies -
.50 per week = Dinner plates
Playoffs - Top up Dinner & Prizes/Captain's Prizes, etc.
Additional top up - TBPL
As of next week, Thurs. night will have 29 weeks of .50 = $14.50. for Dinner plates. Not quite enough.
Also, Wednesday night is having (2) weeks of Playoffs & Finals. It would not be fair for TBPL to pay for Thurs. night's remaining Dinner Expenses, while Wednesday night is covering theirs.
Hope this explains things. Thanks for your enquiry. I will be posting this on site.

I will try to adjust this for next year ?- so no extra collection will be necessary, however, I would also like to include a couple of extra weeks off during the Holdiay Season, etc. (as this year), so no guarantees!! We may have to pay extra $5 for Dinner, sorry. Prices keep going up too!
Ttyl
Gail