Briefly describe this fundraising event:
Straightforward cash collection.

Organizing the event:
Money talks. Collect cash at all local merchant locations. Here's what you need to do:

1. Save old coffee cans. Cover cans with paper in the school colors, display school's name prominently and a catchy slogan never hurts:

These cans aren't fancy
These cans aren't sweet
These cans are plain and simple
And they want a cash treat!

Support your local Elementary School "Class of 2000."

2. Visit all local merchants and ask if you can leave a can at their cash register. Don't forget to visit all participating local merchants once a week and collect all proceeds.

Capital possibilities:
Your school gets 100% of the profit.

Degree of difficulty:
It doesn't get any better than this. It's simple, easy and straightforward.

Other suggestions or comments:
You may want to specify on the can where donations will specifically go, for example, "...to support the high school band." This helps those donating feel like they can associate their donation with an ongoing program, and if it happens to be one that warms their heart, they'll be more likely to give!