Here's a great way to raise a lot of money in a short period of time. Participants have raised tons using email-writing campaigns. Six weeks prior to Huddle Up for Autism, set aside an hour or two one day and you can have it all done.
Write as if you are sending the email individually to a close friend. Include a preface that, as a friend, you thought they would be interested in this important cause.
Include what Huddle Up for Autism is (fact); why you are involved/what it means to you (feeling); remind them to seek a company gift match if their employer offers that benefit (fact).
Don't limit your donors, but ask for a specific range. Ask for "$10, $20, $50 or whatever your budget will allow." Give a deadline for response. People tend to respond when there is a sense of urgency. Make sure to include a link to your personal fundraising page.
Make sure you blind copy (bcc) all recipients. They don't need to know who else is receiving your note.
Get The Word Out