So as I mentioned before, I’m playing at Bumbershoot. I wanted to find out if our group had to go through any great fiery hoops to become an “approved” Red Cross fundraiser. Turns out it’s REALLY easy. Contact the Seattle Red Cross and they’ll send you the paperwork. Essentially, it gives you a legitimate contract so you can carry around a bucket or water bottle or whatever and gather funds for the Red Cross. You can donate directly, but if you’ve got the opportunity to shake others down for a little spare change, this is a good way to do so.
If the Red Cross isn’t the disaster relief agency of your choice, I’m sure you can find similar support from the folks you’d like to raise funds for.