Asking for donations is not a fun process, especially when people assume it's a monetary donation.  Make sure that when you go that you have the following things at the very least:

• A group of friends/fellow members dressed in business casual who can also think for themselves
• A flier/brochure (so people actually think you're a legitimate group)
• Names/places you're associated with
• A nice little formal speech prepared plus a list of FAQs so you can answer questions with ease
• An account name for checks to be addressed to