project leader
Austin B
location
W 52nd St
(Detroit Shoreway)
latest update rss
We Did It!

the project

One of the things that can make a neighborhood safer is when neighbors know one another and can look out for each other. This project is designed to connect and build relationships between as many neighbors as possible by providing an opportunity for families from all backgrounds to come together to carve pumpkins that will decorate our street.

the steps

  1. Raise funds
  2. Outreach: canvass the street and distribute flyers for the event
  3. Purchase supplies
  4. Set-up the event in a city-owned vacant lot at the center of the block
  5. Hold the event
  6. Report back to donors with photos and thank for their contribution

why we're doing it

This project is meant to build relationships between neighbors, which can have tangible effects on safety and other quality of life issues in the neighborhood. Since I moved into my home over a year and a half ago, I have noticed that people on the street typically know their immediate neighbors, but not the people living a few doors down. I also notice a disconnect between neighbors of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our street will be stronger, and will be able to come together to resolve issues in the future if we have established good relationships amongst ourselves. This pumpkin carving event is just meant to be the spark we need to come together.

budget

DISBURSEMENT BUDGET (as of 9/26/16):



RAISED = $328.00
less ioby Platform Fee  waived
less ioby Fiscal Sponsorship Fee (5%) waived
less Payment Processing Fee (3%) waived
TOTAL TO DISBURSE = $328.00

$200 for pumpkins
$ 30 for carving supplies
$ 98 for refreshments

 

ORIGINAL BUDGET:

$150 for pumpkins

$  30 for carving supplies

$  20 for refreshments

Any additional costs will be covered by an anonymous donor.



SUBTOTAL = $200
ioby Platform Fee  waived
ioby Fiscal Sponsorship Fee (5%) waived
Donation Processing Fee (3%) waived
TOTAL TO RAISE = $200

 

updates

We Did It!

The neighborhood pumpkin carving event is over, and it was a smashing success! It was a beautiful warm sunny day this Saturday, and 33 individuals from the block came together to socialize and carve pumpkins (including 15 kids!). We learned each other's names and we spent some quality time as neighbors.

A few highlights:

  • Neighborhood children asked to help set up the event when they saw me putting up tables. They were excited to help organize the 55 pumpkins into a little patch at the corner of the vacant lot we used for the event.
  • Pumpkin "goop" was donated to a neighbor's compost heap, and most of the pumpkin seeds were separated from the "goop" and distributed to all participating households for toasting and consumption.
  • At times, we could not all communicate with each other during the event. Several attendees spoke very little English, but that didn't stop us from enjoying each other's company and exchanging frequent smiles.
  • The event certainly accomplished its goal of convening a diverse group of families. Roughly 39% of attendees were white, 36% Hispanic or Latino, 18% black, and 6% biracial.
  • The kids and neighbors were all very happy with the event, and there was desire expressed to make this an annual tradition. The kids want to have a carving contest element next year!
  • All left over pumpkins will be donated to another resident in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood who is hosting a similar event a few blocks away next weekend.

I want to sincerely thank all of the donors again who made this event possible. Your donation helped show many of the kids and even a few of the adults the benefits of getting to know neighbors and watching out for one another.

Thank You!

I am proud to announce that in less than 24 hours, the Pumpkin Carving event is fully funded. Thank you to everyone who supported this project! I hope to share some photos of the event in mid- or late-October. Thanks again for all the support!!!

Sincerely,

Austin

photos

This is where photos will go once we build flickr integration

donors

  • Erin H.
  • Romanoff + Cimperman Family
  • Anonymous
  • George S.
  • Anonymous
  • Anonymous
  • Christina Znidarsic
  • Eric L.
  • Ulysses Stokes
  • Anonymous
  • Mark & Deb Cross
  • Nathan Lieb
  • Vince
  • Patrick Mitchell
  • Maggie
  • Abbe & Bill DeMaio
  • Miranda Hogan
  • Ken Schneck
  • Anonymous