What is the best way to promote an online fundraiser?

What is the best way to start a fundraiser?

• I would like to start a non-profit fundraiser. All the profits would go to the Cystic Fibrosis in New Hampshire in loving memory of a friend. But, I do not know where to start. I do believe we would like to have a cake walk, silent auction or something like that. --What would be the best way of getting the word out and getting really good items for the silent auction? --Do you know any companies that would want to give for a fundraiser like the one I am talking about? --Do you know any company that often gives for non-profit fundraisers? If you have any suggestions of what I should do, Please tell. Any an all advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

• Answer:

  first decide what sort of fundraiser you'll do. then start contacting all businesses within, say a 25 mile radius. tell them what the fundraiser is for. why you are so passionate about it. etc. you may also want to form a group/committee, so that you aren't doing it all on your own. share the load with everyone else. you may want to research other charities for cystic fibrosis, and see how they do things. there are a ton of fundraising ideas online. some will require that you have a bank account, tax id # and so on for the non-profit organization. it never hurts to ask. more often than not, there are a ton of businesses that are more than willing to donate money or items for charities. since they write these items off of their taxes. but that would require that you have a tax id # in order for it to be legitimate.