Crowdsourcing

Return the Rapids to Eaton Rapids

patronicity.com/project/return_the_rapids_to_eaton_rapids The City of Eaton Rapids is turning to the public to help turn the West-Low Head Dam into a fishing and canoe/kayak friendly space. Working in cooperation with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the City of Eaton Rapids has obtained permits to remove part of the West-Low Head Dam and add a fish ramp and recreational rapids elements. The city has organized a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity, hoping to raise $50,000 by Dec. 18. These funds, in addition to a $50,000 matching contribution from MEDC and MSHDA if the goal is met, will cover the remaining cost of the project. Donation levels range from $25 to $2,500, and rewards for contributors include such perks as having the donor’s name engraved on a plaque, an invitation to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and personalized photos of the rapids.

Aux Petits Soins: A Little Paris in Metro Lansing

indiegogo.com/projects/aux-petits-soinsa-little-paris-in-metro-lansing In April, Gaëlle Cassin-Ross launched a French language immersion program, Aux Petits Soins, to introduce Lansing-area children to the language and culture of her native France. She offers several classes per week at various Greater Lansing locations. With demand for her services rising, Cassin-Ross has created an Indiegogo campaign to help establish a permanent home for the program. The campaign’s goal is to raise $15,000 by Nov. 15, with funds going toward renovations and furnishings for a recently secured location on Lansing’s east side. Donations will also allow Cassin-Ross to purchase classroom supplies and other educational materials, including books and magazines imported from France. Donation levels range from $10 to $2,500, and contributors receive gifts ranging from handwritten thank you notes and t-shirts to class discounts and room sponsorships. This is a flexible fund ing campaign — the organization will receive all donations even if the goal is not met.

MA Tower Preservation Project gofundme.com/bd6rp6rk

The MA (Michigan Avenue) Tower, a historic but run-down railroad building in Lansing’s Old Town, is looking for a new home. The Lansing Model Railroad Club, a nonprofit formed in 1953 to preserve the history of Michigan railroads, recently launched a Gofundme campaign to move and renovate the structure. The tower, which used to be next to Lansing Union Station (now Clara’s Lansing Station restaurant), controlled the junction of the Michigan Central and Pere Marquette railroad lines before automation. It was retired and moved to Old Town in 1986. The club is hoping to raise $35,000 for the project. Donations will cover the cost of moving the structure to the club’s headquarters in Delta Township and full renovation the tower. All donations are tax-deductible.