If you make a reservation for an event asking for a $30.00 donation and then you can't go, are you obligated?

Yes.

Most likely the event was a fund raiser for a group, such as a charity. They base the size of the room, the number of tables, the amount and type of food based upon how many people said they would come. Now, imagine what would happen if they had 1000 people who made a reservation and they all were asking the same question as you......What if all 1000 of them felt they did not have to pay the money? The group would be out all the money they spent assuming 1000 people were going to come and make the donation. The group would actually go into the hole instead of making money.

So if that does not answer your question, you said you would go, you agreed to make the donation. You can change your mind and not go, but you still owe the donation.

no, but you should call and say you can't make it. If it is a charity event then you could still make the donation but you are not required to pay if you don't go. It's not like they would sue you for it.

It can be considered a "statement of intent".

Therefore, yes your obligated to pay.

screw them - so what if everybody cancel? they should have planned better. so i say if i were in your shoes i wouldn't pay and i am sure nobody will come after u. it is charity, it means your payment is VOLUNTARY