So you want to raise oodles of cash for the Kennedy’s Disease Association.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

Basic Steps

1. Create an online fund-raising page. Create a web page, send the link to your family, friends, co-workers, parishioners, team mates, etc. and collect donations via credit cards online. It's easy and simple, and eliminates spending a lot of time sending letters, calling people, and organizing big events. Check out http://www.razoo.com/organization/Kennedys-Disease-Association.
2. Ask for money. Write a letter explaining your cause, why you are involved, who is to benefit, etc. It's a good idea to request a specific amount or set different levels. ($20 = Silver, $100 = Gold, $500 = Platinum, etc.) Send your letter to everyone, friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, dentist, teacher, and anyone else you interact with.
3. Hold a small event. Write down the people you know nearby. Do you know any musicians or celebrities who would play a benefit show? Ask a club you frequent if they would be willing to set aside a special night where a percentage of the door/drinks goes towards your cause if you get people in the door.
4. Have an auction. Silent auctions are the easiest to organize and often bring the greatest returns. Ask local retailers if they would like to donate goods or services. They get a nice tax write off, advertising and good PR. Have stuff for as many price ranges as you can find. Spa treatments, hotel weekends and gift certificates are big sellers.
5. Hold a 50/50 raffle. Charge $2.00 dollars a ticket to enter. The winner gets half the money collected. For example: You get 100 people to buy a ticket at $2.00 each. That is $200. The winner gets $100 & your charity gets $100. You can also tack on any other prizes you can get donated, like gift certificates, to make the raffle more appealing. The more prizes available, the more likely a person will win something!
6. A good way to easily raise money for your chosen charity is to get a local shop to sponsor something, such as the leftover cakes in the bakery. You can then sell them the next day.
7. Be creative in your fundraising ideas. Consider including an online component to your fundraising efforts. Create a web page, send the link to your family, friends, co-workers, parishioners, teammates, etc. and collect donations via credit cards online. See http://www.razoo.com/organization/Kennedys-Disease-Association.
8. Most importantly, remember to be creative and to have fun while fundraising!

Tips

• Be creative. People are "hit up" for money from every angle. Stand out.
• Be honest. If you are raffling off a $10 gift certificate to Denny's, don't advertise a glamorous evening out for two.
• Say thank you. If people donate anything, thank them as if they gave a million. If they don't donate, thank them for their time. They may donate next time.

• Inspire donors. People will not donate money unless they believe in the cause. In any fundraising activity, clearly state your vision and why people should join you in this cause.
• Don't take a "no" personally. Some people can't give, some don't want to. Either way, it is not a personal attack on you or your organization.
• When asking for help you might get many rejections before you get a "yes".