how much would we actually need to raise to make some sort of up grade?
I wouldn't mind donating if I knew exactly where the money was going. Just throwing it in the pot and hoping something good comes out of it is a turn off for most people.
Maybe a sort of "We need this and that, and it is going to cost this much. When we get this much, we'll do this, then when we get this much, we can do that." then put up something that can monitor where the funds are at. That's why plays put up those little thermometer lookin things. It lets everyone know where the goal is and how far away it is. It actually makes it more tangeable for everyone, not just the people in charge. Then, if you add little goals along the way, that will actually produce some benefit, it will add a little more motivation to get to that goal.

I also like the fundraiser idea... it just takes money to make money...
but, a big TR car show could roll in some profits. Charge a small entry fee for the competing cars. Have some of the different catagories voted on by the people just coming to look, sort of a people's choice type of thing, but have it so that one vote is a one dollar donation. Sell food and drinks and all that jazz, make it a big deal.
I'm sure that between all of the members on here, we could get a lot of stuff donated, maybe even trophies and food and what not. It wouldn't be that hard to find a location either. Talk about it on TR, a few flyers, a few signs and a few radio station shout outs and you'll have a good turn out.
just a thought...