Mark Craddock of Comic Book World, Inc. in Florence, KY, saw John Riley's idea to launch an industry-wide philanthropic project (see 'Sharpening the Sword -- A Gathering of Heroes') and is looking for suggestions from other retailers on how to secure donations for fundraisers:

We are currently sponsoring a live auction on New Year's Day in conjunction with the I Have WINGS Breast Cancer Foundation.  This charity supports women and their families during breast cancer treatment and recovery.  They supply wigs, prostheses, they help pay their bills or feed their kids.  They try to hold together the rest of the woman's life while the woman focuses on recovery.  It's a great charity.

I have heartily been beating the proverbial bushes looking for donations of variant covers, signed editions, and the most elusive item, original art or sketches.  I have had some wonderful support from David Mack, Jimmy Palmiotti, Brian K. Vaughn, and Diamond Comics.  The guys from Castles and Crusades sent some signed copies and that's been great (please don't be upset if you've donated and I don't mention you, I'm at home and it's after midnight).  Some of my requests have met with absolutely no response though.

It's overall been a very frustrating process.  Dark Horse and Marvel both put us in the call back loop.  Image Comics isn't sure with whom you should speak.  Wizards of the Coast and Upper Deck just ignored my emails.  I hope Mr. Riley has more success than we have.

I would love a little bit of original art or a comic page to spice things up.  I haven't had any promised so far.

As an aside to what John Riley proposed, perhaps some of the more experienced fund-raisers could share some of the keys of their successes.