is 'Dear Sir or Madam' too dated?

[mckenzie]

Im doing a letter to local businesses on behalf of our local scout group. I do have some names to address the letter to but where i don't have a name, whats the best opener do you think?

It's a request for help/sponsorship for a big fundraising event that we are doing.

TIA

It is very formal, but by the sounds of things that's what you require. Good luck raising the sponsorship.

I don't think there's any good 'modern' alternative, unfortunately. No-one can fault you for sticking to this conventional form.

Its a nice traditional salutation from a nice traditional group - it works pergectly for you!

thanks very much guys. I'll stick with it.