Do you know any LAer's. Like in your guild or group? If the quilt is for charity, they might do it for free. They might even teach you how to use their machine, for a small fee, so you can do your future quilts.
If you were a good friend of mine, I would ask for the thread to do the quilt top and then for you to treat me to a nice breakfast (IHOP or Waffle House are my fave's).