So I probably need to raise 1000 dollars for bust-a-move (in support of breast health and breast cancer survivors).

Trouble is, how the heck do I do it? I will canvas if I have to, but before that does anybody have any tips on how to get either a lot of people to give me a little money or a few people to give me a lot of money?

I'm thinking of maybe hosting a wine tasting night, but that's all I got.

There's a North End holiday parade coming up--you could ask volunteers to solicit donations. OR you could organize a flash mob to dance at the tree lighting, and then hang around to get donations. Not exactly classy, but it could be fun.

If you setup a paypal account for your donations you could get money online conveniently. Use your own social media and maybe a couple of 'letters to the editor' etc on The Coast, Herald websites about your cause? A friend in Social Work is doing this for a soccer trip he wants to go on for international social work/sports/underprivileged kids thing and has raised over a grand since September. I here things like Kickstarter and Indie gogo are all the rage now, too.

My daughter's school sold pies last year and I was skeptical until my girlfriend somehow sold close to 30 herself. Helps to work in a government office, though. The Dartmouth & District Pipe Band (dartmouthpipeband.com) does regular events (music/drinking, how can you lose?), but we all know how putting on show is never a sure thing. (Disclosure: I help with their website).

The “crowd-funding” thing might work, but you should read over the fine print/guidelines. A friend raised cash to get trained in England, for example.

For Bust-A-Move, I've attended a pancake breakfast, bake-sale and a few other events. I am also a sucker for whoever sells these, despite the obvious health risks: krispykreme.com

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm totally down with making pies - my crust is unrivaled! If you think you can do better then I challenge you to a pie-athlon.

I believe I have a website through the bust-a-move foundation. Right now, if anyone feels like buying a ticket to go see A Christmas Carol, let me know. I will send you a link and your purchase will donate 20 bucks!

Or if you want a pie, I'll sell them for $12. Apple, pumpkin or shaker lemon pie (basically like lemon marmalade pie). Vegan available. Just tweet me!

I think I'm going to do a 50-50 draw at the locals' christmas party. Is that legal? Should I get permission first?

Making your own pies sounds great. The school had a 3rd party reseller that does this kind of thing (may have been this bluenosefundraising.ca), which is convient but not very special. I will definitely contribute to buying and eating. Making is not in my wheel house.

Legalities of contests are crazy complicated and even beyond my pie making, but I also adhere to the notion of begging for forgiveness over seeking permission in the case of a modest 50-50.

Why not combine the pie and wine ideas, and have a pie and wine tasting? Odd combination, but that's kind of the point: it will get peoples' attention. Add some cheese to the mix, and it's really not that much of a stretch. And honestly, it should be super easy to get the attention of most of population by using pie and wine; name one person you know who doesn't like at least one or the other!