I am in the process of planning a benefit for my aunt who has been diagnosed with renal cancer and now has mounting medical bills. I am looking for ideas on making this a sucess and raising a ton of money to help her pay this off. Anyone out there planned one before and would like to share anything?

I've never planned a benefit first hand, but here are some ideas for you:

1. Raffle tickets for nice prizes. Check with local businesses in the area, especially ones that may be familiar with your place of employment and/or your aunt. They may be willing to donate flowers, food baskets, gift certificates, etc. for free. Often times when people are attending a benefit they know that the money is going to a good cause, so they're more apt to purchase many raffle tickets ($1 a piece) for items that maybe they're not too interested in, or perhaps they don't need. It's also great "free" advertisement for the companies that donate items! And at $1 per ticket, it's incredibly affordable.
2. Tickets for some fun games. Now, I don't know exactly what your budget is, or what you're planning, but how about taking predominant members of your community or family and asking them to be part of a silly game - such as having pies thrown in their faces, a dunk tank, dressing up as a woman (for a man), etc. If it's a silly enough game with someone who people enjoy, you may be more apt to raise money that way. Maybe make there be an amount needed for the event to happen: for instance, in order to see your dad dress up in your mom's clothing, you need to raise $20. If several people come together and each donate $2-$5, it's really not much out of pocket per person, but you'll all be able to see something silly happen! Plus, it would be a wonderful memory for your friends and family who may be there.
3. Any children in your family/circle of friends? Have them make lemonade or special treats. People are more apt to purchase inexpensive treats ($.25-$1) from children, especially when the money is going to a good cause.

I hope these are some usable ideas for you! It's a great thing you're doing for your aunt. I wish her a speedy recovery and you much success at your benefit!

sorry to hear about your aunt. having fund raisers can be a little awkward to ask people for money--specially now. So you probably might need to ask a local department that gives out licenses what you need to do to make sure that you have legal papers so that peopple who want to give/donate are 100% sure where the money is going. i once gave some money last year to a charity that said they were selling coffe cups and some other trinkets for cancer research. later i found out later that the money never went to the charity.
ask business for small items that people can use like car detailing, a mani/pedi, maybe a photographer taking some nice family pictures for thanksgiving around the table, or maybe someone in town who is a really good cook and loves to share her talents with more than just her family. or a meemaw who makes really pretty aphgrans. perfect for cold whether nights. i think the most important is making sure when you ask people for money that they feel certain that the money is going to where you say it is. i have had bad luck in the past and i don't have money to give anymore.
maybe you can send rachel's show a letter about your aunt, she is so caring that she might put you on her show to give you some publicity.

Check your state laws. In some states raffles are illegal. It may take lots of small fund raisers to get money. Bake sales, car washes and things like that. Good luck.