Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives

Illustration from Abby the Spoon Lady blog

Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise start-up capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. Each week, Xpress highlights notable Western North Carolina crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd.

ABBY THE SPOON LADY DVD

Boasting possibly the two most famous pieces of cutlery in all of downtown, Abby the Spoon Lady is no stranger to Asheville locals. The accomplished auxiliary percussionist is nearly omniscient in her busking pursuit and now hopes to cement her craft as something more than transient entertainment by filming an educational DVD in advanced spoon playing techniques. “If I ever do lay my spoons down to rest, I’d love for others to have a place to go watch and hopefully learn,” she says on her campaign page. Abby aims to raise $3,000 by Thusday, Jan. 1, to complete her DVD before achy joints set in.

ASHEVILLE PUBLIC HOUSING DOCUMENTARY

Several Mars Hill College students, led by peer Celia Hinebaugh, are working on a documentary to explore the realities of Asheville’s public housing. “Over 6,000 people live in these communities, and yet many of the public housing neighborhoods experience isolation from the rest of the city, resulting in a lack of knowledge and understanding from the general public,” reads the documentary campaign page. Hinebaugh’s team hopes to improve awareness by capturing these residents’ stories and aims to raise $2,000 to cover filming expenses.

Photo from documentary campaign page
Photo from documentary campaign page

Send your crowdsourcing campaign news to kmcreynolds@mountainx.com. A limited number of campaigns will be highlighted each week, at Xpress’ discretion. Campaigns must be locally based and should represent a current project with an achievable goal. Conditions are subject to change.

Read about more WNC campaigns here.

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

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