I'm going to resurrect this thread because it is more relevant than ever to me since I am riding across the country next summer. I am attempting to raise $8,000 for the American Lung Association over the next ten months, and any and all tips are welcome!

I know some have mentioned above that donating to charity organizations through athletic events seems like paying for vacations for the participating athletes and I kind of agree. I've had family members tell me that it doesn't seem fair. I've had other friends tell me that 'it's fine because it costs money to make money'. As such, I'm contributing the $2,500 of the $6,000 minimum that goes toward the costs of running the ride for each individual.

As a teacher, I am loath to 'use the school' to raise money, just because it can get dicey. My chair of deans said if my advisees all want to help run a bake sale or something, that is just fine. They have also agreed to let me run a raffle in our faculty meetings once a month of gift cards, products, etc donated by companies.

I am going to buy a roll of 100 stamps and just start writing letters for cash or product donations. Does anyone recommend going into some places in person rather than writing?

Is anyone aware of any larger corporations that give fairly automatically/regularly to causes like these?

All ideas/answers are welcome!

Thanks!