So the LEDs I'm using are basically these things. They're bright as hell but obviously only in pinpointed areas, you know, where the lights are. I'm thinking, what if using them as the primary illumination source, I ran fiber optics along the pre-existing wire between each light to create a line of illumination between the LEDS, that way the whole thing would be lit up and there would just some spots that were brighter than others?

I'm not sure that makes sense even to me so let me know if you need clarification.

I know the OP's post was technically a fundraiser but since it's written in the style of educating people of what their lighting options are I felt it's remiss in not mentioning one of the cheapest and best options: Cheap LED xmas lights.

Cheaper and brighter than EL wire, although not quite as robust.

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Powered-Decorative-Christmas-Colorful/dp/B00IOHIBRA/

http://www.amazon.com/Sets-Blue-Lights-Silver-Products/dp/B010J4RMIO