Chinese custom question?

[Bryannah]

I have a question about Chinese custom.?
I volunteer at the small private Christian school which I graduated from three years ago, and we do a lot of fundraising to keep our doors open, and we also find a scholarship program for children. For our most recent fundraiser, we go around to local business to collect donations to give away a prizes, and in return, we advertise the business in our commercial, on 3 radio stations, via social media, and throughout our 4 hour event fundraiser. It seems as though every single Chinese restaurant we approached, we were quickly pushed away. Several business were incredibly rude to us, and one man "shewed" us with his hand as we were trying to explain. So I am wondering in Chinese culture is it considered rude to approach businesses like this? Or could it be a language barrier?... I am confused, and quite curious on this matter. Respectful answers will be appreciated!