As someone who's done it, I'd like to put out there that it's really hard to raise that cash with just the goodwill of your most excellent friends.

If work isn't interested in throwing in money, why don't you consider asking them if you can hold a weekly bake sale sometime during your shift? Offer to make supper for your friends -- for a price -- or write them a story, or make them a scarf -- anything along those lines. Hold a raffle, maybe?

A kissing booth?