Anytime you ask for a donation it should be handled with great delicacy. Contacting companies can be done by phone or by writing letters. Most of the companies want to know and have in writing the date of the raffle, what the raffle is for and what organization is holding the raffle. Items are then mailed out to the raffle chairperson usually 30 days prior to the show date. Contact local companies and club members for donations also.
Some states require that the club have permits from the local gaming commission to hold raffles.
To get more money from your raffle tables, give each item and individual can for holding tickets. People are more inclined to buy tickets when they know that they can drop tickets on certain items. The chairperson needs to staff the raffle table with volunteers at the show and to be responsible for the money, the tickets, and the drawings. Because this can be very costly, hunting for the best price is essential. Asking for sponsorship for the big specialty awards is one way to go.