Okay, question...
First some background...I have been given the task of soliciting sponsors for an event coming up on August 8 to raise money for a friend of ours who's 5 month old baby has neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. My friend's baby has begun chemotherapy and is likely going to need radiation, antibody infusions, several hospitalizations and even possible bone marrow transplants. My friend is a stay at home mom and her husband is the sole provider for the family and they have no health insurance, so a benefit dinner and silent auction is being organized at St. Paul's Riverside in Jacksonville, FL to support them and help alleviate their financial burden. I have been asked to collect sponsorships, merchandise, and services for the event in my area. Anyone who donates has the opportunity to gain exposure during the evening, as well as print promotion in the event program book and on any promotional material produced.
Basically, my question is...I don't really know where to start or who to ask. Can y'all think of businesses that I could approach with this sort of thing? Or are there any small business owners here that are interested? This is really not my forte but I want to do something to help my friend because I know that if I were in her situation I would appreciate the help as well. So, any suggestions?