The party's over, or at least scaled back

Last year, Kimley-Horn and Associates held its holiday bash at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

On Friday night, its workers gathered at the engineering consulting firm's Beach office for this year's party. The company served beef and chicken entrees, but the employees had to provide their own sides and desserts.

Last year's entertainment was dancing to music choreographed by a DJ. This year's was a "white elephant" gift exchange, with the workers providing the gifts.

"In the more fiscally constrained environment we're in, we're trying to be a little more frugal with our money, but still with the desire to get everyone together in the holiday season," said Carl Tewksbury, Kimley-Horn's senior associate vice president. He estimated that the company more than halved the costs of its holiday festivities, which used to run between $10,000 and $15,000.

'Tis the season to scale back the holiday party - or drop it altogether.

Sixty-two percent of 100 employers polled in a survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., a consulting firm based in Chicago, said they planned to throw a holiday party this year. That was down from 77 percent in 2008 and 90 percent in 2007.

Some local firms are blending or replacing the party element with a charitable activity.

On Friday, KPMG brought in pizza and sandwiches for lunch in Norfolk - a far cry from its nighttime party at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club last December. After they ate, employees of the accounting firm packaged children's books and teddy bears to donate to Edmarc Hospice for Children in Portsmouth and Samaritan House in Virginia Beach, which helps homeless people and victims of domestic abuse.

Rather than annoying the employees, the change excited them, Adam Mach, a financial analyst at KPMG, said before the event. "This is just a chance to do something positive, where we're still having a fun activity," he said.

William E. Wood and Associates, a local real estate firm, will forgo a holiday dinner for the third straight year. Instead, employees will have pot lucks and raise money for a variety of causes.

"I think it kind of brings the office together in a way they might not have done before," said Dick Thurmond, president of the agency. "In some cases, I think spouses are glad we're doing this, too. Some of them look at a holiday party and say, 'Oh my gosh. I have to go to this?' It's not exactly the most fun thing for them."

Among other employers dropping the corporate party but donning a philanthropic Santa's outfit:

n The Virginia Port Authority, which is raising money for Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

n Ferguson Enterprises, the Newport News-based plumbing supplier, which is gathering blankets and coats for homeless people, as well as hats, gloves and food for needy children.

n Bank of Hampton Roads, which is raising money for Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters and local food banks.

"I don't think anyone would feel this year that it would be appropriate to have a party," said Tiffany Glenn, the bank's executive vice president. "I don't think anyone was expecting one."

Employers that are going without parties include LTD Management Co. LLC, a hotel management firm based in Chesapeake; and Willcox & Savage, a law firm based in Norfolk.

"Many employees seem to be grateful to be employed at this time and are focused on staying employed, with little concern for things like a company party," Frank Stephens, LTD's vice president of human resources, wrote in an e-mail. "I have been quietly impressed by how serious employees have been about their job relationships."

Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP will still be partying, but at a more restrained level. About five years ago, before the economy soured, the accounting firm switched from a dinner party to a workday luncheon. This year, the event will be held on a Friday at the Town Center City Club.

The switch cut party costs roughly in half, from about $7,500 to $3,700, said Chris Wilson, the business operations manager. Even more important, she said, it increased participation and enthusiasm.

"It's not taking time away from their family, and they have the rest of the afternoon off," Wilson said. "Employees feel like it's a win-win situation."

Although "it's been a tough year," the firm had no thought of dropping the luncheon, she said: "We wanted to do something to still reward employees and thank them for their hard work and show our appreciation for everything they've done to get us through these times."

DOMA Technologies LLC is donating its fruitcake and eating it, too, this holiday season.

In 2008, the Virginia Beach document management firm dropped its party and focused on charitable endeavors.

This year, DOMA is still promoting good deeds, donating $15,000 each to causes including Toys for Tots, CHKD and the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, which aids military personnel and their families.

It's also planning a party Saturday at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott with live music. The cost, said Wayne Zinn, the chief operating officer, "will be less than any one of the gifts to the charities. We're keeping it controlled."

He added, "Sometimes they say, the more you give, the more you get. We really believe that we try and give, but we've also been blessed with being able to receive. We have had good business this year."

Philip Walzer, (757) 222-3864, phil.walzer@pilotonline.com