Help with a silent auction.....?

I am a 21 yr old whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis and is bedridden due to the disease. I decided to host a silent auction benefiting the National MS Society. I am planning the event on my own and all extra costs are coming out of my personal pockets...... Any suggestions for baskets.?? Also, suggestions for how to get more donations. I have done well thus far but big companies (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc... give me the run around because they donate to "select organizations that are pre-determined".? Any ideas would be great!!! Thanks!!

I am also having trouble getting gift cert for like spa places and nail places. I don't want to sound ignorant but most are owned and run by asian influenced people (not sure if Vietnamese, Chinese, etc...) and they either don't understand me, or pretend they don't cause they don't want to donate.... I know they are good auction items but I also cant afford to spend more $$ buying things to make money for a charity..

Perhaps you could try contact your local paper see if they will do an article for you about your story & your cause & ask for donations through them... & perhaps your local radio station too could do a shout out for you too?
All the best, its a great thing you are doing!