Need ideas for promoting a community project...details inside

I came up with an idea that is sort of a hybrid of some of the other very popular methods shared on here. I'm referring to the Bob Ross 9x12 method, pizza box advertising, and any other method that revolves around having businesses pay for advertising spaces, and then distributing whatever the item is to the public.

I have already contacted some local businesses and all of them have responded positively to the concept and would like to be notified when I am ready to begin. If anyone has any ideas to improve the concept I would love to hear them.

Here is the concept: I'm going to approach local businesses in a certain town/city/area and offer them an exclusive spot or position in my program. I would only sell a spot to one lawyer, one plumber, one locksmith, etc...thus the exclusive aspect...none of their direct competitors will be able to participate.

This is similar as I mentioned to the Bob Ross postcard method and pizza box advertising, but instead of just sending out or distributing a flyer I am gearing this whole concept towards helping the local community and positive press and publicity for the businesses involved. Like I said, I have approached a few local businesses and they all love the idea.

The plan is to collect about $150 per month from each business that wants to participate. Lets say I get 20 businesses which adds up to $3000. With that $3000 I would make a donation to a local charity, non profit organization, local cause, etc...whatever makes sense. I'm thinking around $1000 or so. Then, I would publicize this donation to create positive exposure for all of the businesses involved.

I was thinking of doing online press releases, taking out an ad in local publications, contacting local papers to write an article, creating a simple website that provides info on all of the participating businesses, etc..my question is what other ways can I create publicity for the participating businesses that will be beneficial for them in our local area?

I was thinking of spending around $1000 on the donation, $500 on creating the publicity, and keeping $1500 as profit, and being upfront about the breakdown. Id also consider upping the donation to $1500. Ideally I would like to create some continuity with this program and run it every month. The businesses that stay onboard will become known for participating and be known as a positive contributing member of the local community.

I apologize for the long post and would appreciate any ideas or thoughts on how to improve this concept, and particularly how to create a lot of publicity and press that will benefit the participating businesses.

Thanks