Does anyone have thoughts on businesses that are able to offer donations in a quick turnaround? I know many local businesses can, but I'm speaking more about national/regional businesses that make decisions by store?
I believe walmart/target you can walk into the store, and if they have any GC remaining for the month they will contribute. I think Olive Garden does as well?
As for places in my area that were a 'success' for me:
Seafair passes and pins (hydroplane races)
Seattle Sounders gift pack
Seattle Seahawks gift pack
Seattle International Film Festival passes
Experience Music Project tickets
Woodland Park Zoo tickets
I always send out my emails with as much personal information that I have. For example, I will look up names and titles and direct my emails to specific people/contacts or departments. The idea is to make a personal plea, not a bulk plea sent out to a mass audience. Your results will be better if you personalize your requests.
I ask the G.M. directly for hotel stays to go with dining & entertainment? For instance, we are located in Illinois and I'm putting package for Destin, FL together. I have go cart passes, dining gift cards, dolphin cruise, & a few stores at the outlet mall. The General Manager actually did better than a hotel stay....we ended up with a 2 bedroom condo for 3 nights!
