Some of these businesses want to "spread the wealth," so to speak. So, if OtterBox donated to you once or twice, they may decline to participate the next year and donate to another cause. I have not done any work with the Bidding For Good Site so can't say one way or the other how that is. The reason I haven't been inclined to use that site is b/c I feel I would need to obtain permission for our school pta to be associated with it. Not sure how easy that would/would not be. we are not allowed to endorse or seem like we endorse any businesses. Would that be an issue?
Thanks Mikesmom for the ancestry suggestion. I wrote them the other day and got an email with a YES back in less than 20 hours! They gave a 1 year prime membership which comes out to about $300/year! Awesome! Someone will bid on that for sure.
Another YES I got was from Southern Exposure Seed Company, they are sending seed packets valued at $28.50. Great for our Garden Basket.
Local pizza places have almost all said YES to requests through my personal facebook page. You can facebook your town and then businesses there will show up and I just send them each a personal message. I have heard back from about 50% of the ones I email and most are YES. Other good ones are salons.
Thank you to all who contribute to this list, brainstorming does help!