DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does a charity organization express the fact that, while a $100 fee is being charged to attend a fundraising dinner, the actual value of the meal being served is $300? And that the balance is being absorbed by a benefactor?

GENTLE READER: By making the meal so extraordinary that your guests will be compelled to ask.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.