You need to find your state rules. Some states made lotteries/ gambling illegal. In California we need to apply for a permit to have a raffle. Your organization/school may not allow it too so check for approval.

What is the rule on lottery tickets/trees at these events. I have been to many and know people that have been to many and they have them as prizes. I was told it is a huge no no and that it is in the rules.

I'd suggest reviewing the list of no responses to see if any of those companies typically donate. If so, contact those companies. For example, I had not heard back from Whole Foods & I knew that they'd donated annually to our local event. I followed up and learned that our "file/request" had been misplaced. A little last minute scrambling and we still wound up with a gift card from Whole Foods. There are also a few people who "need/want" reminders b/c this isn't top of mind for them. And, of course, there will be lots of businesses who you don't need to f/u with bc they won't be donating. The key is to determine which follow-ups are most productive.

In my experience about 50% of our requests don't get responses. Unless I'm pretty certain a request may have been misplaced because it was promised verbally, I take no response as a passive no, especially from national companies. I'm hesitant to bother them because I know they receive SO many requests, and I'd hate for more to turn their backs on events because it's too time consuming to respond.

Instead, I promote the heck out of the ones who do give to us, put more effort into local companies as we near our deadline, and cross our fingers for them next year.

Just wondering about follow-up procedure. There are several asks that I have had out for awhile now (over 6 weeks for places that required 6 weeks) that I have heard nothing about. Is it okay to follow up with them and inquire about status? My event is less than 2 weeks away and I'm getting worried....thanks!