Not sure if this has been mentioned before here and don't have time now to check, but a somewhat unique fundraising idea, benefitting both the Virginia Museum of Transportation and Special Olympics:

http://www.vatrainpull.com/

Looks like a good idea that could also be used to raise money for cosmetic restoration of your local park locomotive, after you've prepared all axle journals and freed and lubricated other associated moving parts.

CN does something like that up here called the Steel Challenge. We did one here in Niagara Falls a few years back, and the proceeds also go to the Special Olympics. It was guite fun, pulled a GP9 in front of the station.
We have been toying with this idea for a fundraiser as well. It was a unique experience.

Ken Jones Jr.
Niagara Railway Museum
http://www.nfrm.ca