Well, Jordan, I think you're cheating.  Assuming facts not in evidence.
I am unaware of any custom letting employees keep $12k valued prizes,
but I'm sure it would depend upon the industry.

To me, the key point is this:  Employers will often let employees keep
their prices, for HRM reasons, thinking that this is a gift on their part.
They need to be aware that a pattern of making such gifts can transform
them into a "custom" so that they become an entitlement rather than a gift.
And there is still the sticky tax problem noted by others


At 02:16 PM 3/16/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>
>
>>  -----Original Message-----
>> From:         Leibman, Jordan H.
>> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2000 2:13 PM
>> To:   [log in to unmask]
>> Subject:      Door Prize
>>
>>  <<doorprize.wpd>> Colleagues:
>>
>> I want to give heartfelt thanks to all who responded to my door prize
>> scenario.  In the hope I can stimulate further comments on my comments, I
>> am submitting my take on the situation in the above attachment.
>>
>> Jordan L.
>
>Attachment Converted: "c:\eudora\attach\doorprize1.wpd"
>
Frank Cross
Herbert D. Kelleher Centennial Professor of Business Law
CBA 5.202
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712