Kickstarter
Raleigh City Farm Kickstarts 30Day Online Campaign to Raise $10,000 “Seed” FundingFunds will directly support critical soil, water and building projects for spring 2012
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 2012) – Anticipation has been building since initial news of an urban farm in the heart of the city, now supporters of Raleigh City Farm can be a part of the movement by backing the project on Kickstarter, the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Organizers hope to raise a minimum of $10,000 in just 30 days so staff and volunteers can make land improvements, buy a shed and create a rain barrel system.The campaign launched online at raleighcityfarm.org on Saturday, March 10, 2012.“Local supporters are nurturing ideas and taking an active role in everything from tool drives to initial seed plantings in their own homes,” said Erin Bergstrom Cofounder of Raleigh City Farm. “We are overwhelmed by the amazing support we have received from health advocates, restaurants, parents, educators, and neighboring citizens of all ages – their enthusiasm has brought us to this critical point of fundraising.”“The funding will directly support building an infrastructure to demonstrate intensive urban growing techniques. Specific needs now are constructing a watering system that includes a large rain barrel array, design and implementation of a rain garden, soil and land improvements, farm tools and a shed for spring 2012. We hope our efforts will not only inspire local residents, but also serve as a catalyst for the urban farm movement across America,” added Josh Whiton, CEO of Raleigh City Farm.“New ventures that aim to yield social and ecological profits, more than money, have less access to traditional capital,” added Laurel Varnado, Cofounder of Raleigh City Farm. “Enter crowdfunding—a fun way for the public to fund projects that they believe in. We must, however, reach our funding goal before time runs out, or no money is earned. It’s all or nothing. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”About Raleigh City FarmRaleigh City Farm is transforming an unexpected downtown space into beautiful and nourishing farmland. The innovative urban farm, located on a highlyvisible 1 acre lot on the corner of Franklin and Blount Streets just blocks from the city center, will provide access to local produce and engage city dwellers and visitors in the process of growing food in a hyperlocal environment. The farm itself will serve as an educational tool to demonstrate responsible, intensive growing techniques with a focus on building a restorative, communitybased food system.