would any of the big tournament organziers in the east coast be willing to do something like collect a player donation fund? i know two tournaments here on the west coast (one for melee, CGC, the other for brawl, 2GG) have this, they throw in money along with players throwing in some money, and ask plaers from around the world to write up and essay stating why they would like to come, and the best applicant is flown out to compete, and if they place, they donate their winnings back to the fund, so they can fly out future players.
its basically a fun, player driven way to compete with other regions.