Wednesday, August 21, 2013

[NEWS BITES] Hamtramck Food Week crowdfunding with Detroit start-up Patronicity



Hamtramck Food Week is trying to get off the ground, but as they too are a city currently operating under an emergency manager, they don't exactly have fun funds to throw around.

So they're asking for some help. With a crowdfunding campaign set up through Detroit-based Patronicity, Hamtramck Food Week is trying to raise $2,000 to get them off the crowd and better situate them for long-term sustainability. It doesn't really sound like much - which, on the one hand, is great, because that means they stand a better chance of raising it, but on the other hand makes me wonder just how effective this small sum will be, though I have faith in the Hamtramck powers that be to make it work - but it will help with all of the coordinating programming happening in tandem with the first-ever Food Week.

Hamtramck Food Week means that diners will get featured dinners for $10 at participating restaurants, which collectively represent the greatest cultural diversity of southeastern Michigan (and, by extension, the whole state). But there is also a great deal of programming involved, including ethnic cooking demonstrations, a Top Chef Hamtramck competition, a behind-the-scenes tour and history tour, and so much more.

Check out the Patronicity campaign for the full explanation and schedule of events. Since I have previously christened the imminent Thingness of Hamtramck, I have to say this is one big step further in that direction.

In the meantime, don't miss the annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival happening August 31-September 2.