When USD25 is about having a good time together

Yesterday was our farewell party, and everyone needed to contribute RM75(thats about USD25) to afford that party which will be held at hotel.

Because this party is a gesture of farewell, i think the USD25 is worth it. But somehow, some of us think that USD25 is too expensive. They argue that its totally insane to invest USD25 just for a one night dinner for they can spend the money to afford dinner for a whole week.

I think to my self, do you think the farewell party is for having a regular dinner? Hello, we are having it as a gesture of farewell, as sweet memory having dinner together for about 51 people here. Do you think you can have this another time for, say USD25? I say, never again.

The party went smoothly, but a few people don't come because they don't want to invest USD25 for having a good time together with the whole class.

Money, instead of sweet memory are their best interest. I demand the answer why??