I've finally started making calls to businesses, and I've gotten a lot of no's. A few larger businesses have policies in place and have asked me to send emails or fill out forms (these are my favorite calls). I even had a lovely conversation with someone from Berkshire Bank about bike routes! At the very least I'm learning things.

I realize I need to adapt my fundraising. There are a lot of businesses than can't make monetary donations but would be willing to donate things. Market Basket would be more than happy to donate water and snacks for events, for example (provided I put it in writing 30 days prior to the event). Basically, this boils down to the need for an event.

I've already informally spoken to a restaurant about hosting a fundraiser in which 10% of the days profits would be donated to the cause. I have a cake decorating class in the works. Now, I'm thinking about hosting a raffle. Perhaps a "Weekend in the Berkshires" raffle. I could get donations of movie tickets, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, bowling... Maybe I could make it an auction or have the raffle during some sort of event. What I really need is some event planning help. Or a team.