The city of Springfield raised more than $8,000 in two hours during an Oct. 2 kickoff event for its Route 66 roadside park project. By day two of the 66-day online crowdfunding campaign, the project shot above the $10,000 mark.
Launched through Springfield-based crowdfunding website,
Crowdit.com, 40 donors have pledged $10,335 of the project's $15,000 goal, including two notable donations from the Springfield business community.
Baron Venture Capital owner and classic car collector Guy Mace, along with wife Gloria, donated $2,500, and Urban Districts Alliance Executive Director Rusty Worley presented a $3,000 check on behalf of the West Central Neighborhood Association during the kickoff event at Mother's Brewing Co., according to a news release.
Des Moines, Iowa-based grocery store chain Hy-Vee also donated $1,000 during a week of fundraising for the project in June. Attendees at the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in August raised around $500 for the effort.
Funds raised during the initial campaign are earmarked to cover construction costs for a recreation of the iconic Red’s Giant Hamburg sign, a major landmark along the Mother Road in Springfield. Future funding would be used for the roadside park and schematic planning services for the project along College Street, between Kansas Expressway and Grant Avenue. Upcoming projects include a filling station replica, vending machines and visitor information, a relocated motor court cottage with restrooms, a Birthplace of Route 66 sculpture and a Lily-Tulip/Solo Cup sculpture, according to the release.
“We are thrilled to receive such a positive response, both locally and nationally, to renovate a key portion of the world-famous Route 66 highway,” Springfield Director of Public Information and Civic Engagement Cora Scott said in the release. “We look forward to continuing our fundraising efforts with CrowdIt and are excited about the possibilities.”
The city is offering donor incentives for the campaign, spanning from social media recognition for a $1 donation to multiple incentives including a sneak preview of the sign, a stay in the Rail Haven Motel and a ride to the ribbon-cutting ceremony in an antique car for a $15,000 donation.[[In-content Ad]]
