I raised $4,000 for the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I'm not big of the face-to-face approach, so I wrote a letter (using the form letters that they had in their data base), printed the letters and pledge forms on colored paper so they wouldn't get easily lost in the mail pile and included a self addressed stamped envelope. Then I sent the letters to everyone on my christmas card list.

The biggest thing you have to remember is that you are not asking for money. You are asking them to donate to a cause that you beleive in. If they say no, they aren't saying no to you. It's not personal. When you can get past that hurdle, it's easier to ask anyone and everyone.