People make decisions about money. Am I going to spend $200 on a gift for someone, tires, groceries, concert tickets, or what?  In the grand scheme of things, attending a fund raiser where you are getting an award may not be that high on the spending priority list.  Your parents can congratulate you for your award and be proud of you without paying $200.  You and your husband went free...did you take your kids? Wouldn't they have wanted to see mom get an award? Would they have cost $200?