MYPros Community Crowdfund to Support Downtownsend Revitalization
The annual MYPros Community Crowdfund launched on Friday, Aug. 1 and will have one month to raise $25,000 for Crepes Et Amis, Iron Dame and the rest of the Townsend Street block.
Headed by the Midland Young Professionals (MYPros), this initiative empowers young professionals to champion creative, community-driven projects that bring energy, connection, and long-term impact to the Midland area.
Since its inception in 2019, the MYPros Community Crowdfund has generated more than $210,000 in community impact. Through this program, the Downtownsend block will have until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 31 to raise $25,000 through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
Renderings are generalized images of the vision for the project. These are not official or final design plans. Provided by Brandon Morey.
If the $25,000 goal is met by the deadline, an additional $35,000 in matching funds will be unlocked by the Midland Area Community Foundation through a grant to the Midland Business Alliance Foundation.
“The purpose of the Midland Area Community Foundation is, ‘We exist to cultivate the power of giving within our community, support long-term transformation, and help ensure all residents thrive,’” said Midland Area Community Foundation President/CEO Sharon Mortensen. “Our support of the MYPros Community Crowdfund is a direct investment in both the people and the small businesses who make Midland a vibrant, thriving place to live. By fueling grassroots entrepreneurship, we’re helping develop the talent we want to keep here and driving new community energy.”
Renderings are generalized images of the vision for the project. These are not official or final design plans. Provided by Brandon Morey.
This year’s crowdfund aims to revitalize Downtownsend, the block of Townsend Street between Main and Larkin streets. The campaign is led by Brandon Morey, owner of Crepes Et Amis and Iron Dame.
Morey plans to transform the outdoor space in front of his two businesses, as well as Bookmarks and Mr. Moustache Phone Repair, with beautiful wooden pergolas, French-style café seating, custom flower boxes and a community “Love Fence.” The project will create a unique outdoor experience that blends European charm with Midland hospitality.
"Supporting the retention and expansion of local businesses is essential to a thriving community," said Isabelle Pasciolla, marketing and program specialist at the Midland Business Alliance. "We're excited to support this endeavor to revitalize the Townsend Street block and create another welcoming and inclusive space in Downtown Midland.”
For the first time, the crowdfund project was selected via a live pitch competition held on June 18, where MYPros members heard proposals from Crepes Et Amis/Iron Dame, Live Oak/Little Midland, and Salt Spring Ice Cream.
Renderings are generalized images of the vision for the project. These are not official or final design plans. Provided by Brandon Morey.
MYPros members were then able to vote on which business they wanted to support, with the Townsend Street project coming out on top.
At a total of $60,000, this year will be the largest crowdfund in MYPros history. Prior beneficiaries of MYPros Crowdfund campaigns are Pizza Baker, Aviator Cookie Company, Aster, Grove Tea Lounge, Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom, Nor'East Outdoors, Allied Grout Fitness, and Proper Taco.
For more information on these campaigns, to see the prizes for different donation levels and to donate, visit mbami.org/mypros/. For more information about MYPros, email Isabelle Pasciolla at ipasciolla@mbami.org.
About the Midland Young Professionals (MYPros)
MYPros serve as the premier entry-level organization for young professionals in Midland with a mission to attract and retain talented young professionals by creating networking opportunities, supporting community involvement and fostering an overall investment in the future of Midland.
Visit our website at www.MBAmi.org/mypros/ for more information.
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