4 Indiana projects seek crowdfunding support
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Four Indiana communities are seeking support to raise money for new memorials and park amenities.
If they meet fundraising goals, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will match the funds through its CreatINg Places program.
The program, which launched in 2016, has raised $9.3 million in public funds with an additional $7.7 million IHCDA provided in matching grants.
The Mishawaka Parent Group in St. Joseph County is seeking $50,000 to place a caveman statute outside Mishawaka High School, whose school mascot is the caveman.
The sculpture was a wish of Mishawaka assistant athletic director Mike ‘Beef’ Faulkner, who died of cancer last year. The school district put on its first ‘Beef Bash’ fundraiser about a week ago and has raised more than $18,000 of its $50,000 as of Monday morning, according to the group’s crowdfunding website.
“Partnering with School City of Mishawaka to bring Mike’s vision to reality is a proud moment for not only the Mishawaka Parks Department, but for me personally as a friend of his,” Mishawaka Parks Superintendent Phil Blasko said in a news release. “This statue gives us the opportunity to celebrate him and the chance to make sure the legacy of the man we all called ‘Beef’ lives on in the Princess City.”
The Mishawaka Parent Group will be raising money through Nov. 4.
The Howard County Memorial Corp. in Kokomo is seeking $50,000 for a new memorial celebrating the legacy of America’s first female Marine, Opha May Johnson. Born in 1878, Johnson is a Kokomo native.
The county plans to place the monument at the northwest corner of the Howard County Courthouse property.
“Over the last 18 years we have become more than just a memorial park dedicated to those that have served and died for their country. We have become a social movement that highlights the contribution of women in the military, women of color and women that work,” HCMC President Jerry Paul said. “Celebrating Hoosier daughter and first female Marine Opha May Johnson underscores our efforts to inspire a future legacy of excellence in our community, by creating programs that teach and promote Johnson’s historic contributions.”
The HCMC is raising money through its Nov. 17 crowdfunding deadline. The organization had raised more than $11,000 of its $50,000 as of Monday morning, according to its crowdfunding website.
The Clay County Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department is seeking $50,000 to replace a community playground in the small town of Cory, about half an hour southeast of Terre Haute. The organization has plans to include accessible swings in its project.
“The Cory Community Board is excited to revitalize our community center grounds with a state-of-the-art playset that will provide a safe and accessible play area,” Cory Community Board President Shane Wiram said.
The volunteer fire department had raised more than $16,000 of its $50,000 as of Monday morning, according to its crowdfunding website. This campaign has a fundraising deadline of Nov. 21.
The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth is raising $40,000 to build a new shelter house, fire pit and outdoor seating at Hindostan Falls in southwest Indiana.
“Hindostan Falls is such a beautiful area that holds so much of our county’s history,” said Jessica Potts, Executive Director for Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth. “We’ve seen firsthand how the county and surrounding communities have enjoyed Hindostan Days the past two years. Now, we are excited to add a gathering space for everyone to enjoy the area year-round.”
The project had raised more than $5,300 of its $40,000 goal as of Monday morning, according to its crowdfunding website. This project has a Dec. 5 fundraising deadline.
Five other projects are crowdfunding projects under the CreatINg Places program. You can read about those projects in Elkhart, Floyd, Huntington, Knox and Vanderburgh counties by clicking here.