Is the location set to just the midwest?  I understand that it is the best shooting states but does anyone know of one close to the east coast? 

We would be happy to set up a Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot anywhere. What is required is a few friends with short guns, a friend with big piece of property, and some improvised targets. Some BBQ, some pot luck, some donated items for tha auction and raffle, and WALA, you are having a great time and raising money for a worthy cause. There are members all over the US, maybe we could find a good location for the Easterners.
Pipe up, people!

If one could be set up on the east coast or remotely close, I would be there with bells on and as much donation as I could afford.

What's a good gun friendly state over there?

Most of the states are gun friendly on the eastern side.  I would say the best bets would be NC. SC. Tenn. or Alabama. Virginia perhaps even Arkansas I have family and friends in most of these states.  with the exception of arkansas.