ROYAL OAK, Mi--August 19, 2013: On Tuesday, August 20, the Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) will officially launch an online "Five Dollars a Day" crowd funding campaign to help raise the $125,000 match that is still needed to purchase two historic buildings in the historic Ford Highland Park Plant complex, the site where Henry Ford's moving assembly line was born 100 years ago. The WA3 plans to transform these landmark structures into an international automotive welcome center and visitor attraction.
“We are appealing to individual donors to contribute just five dollars, or more, to help us save this important piece of Americana. The Henry Ford Plant was the place where workers made a wage of $5 per day -- giving birth to the middle class”
The WA3 has offered $550,000 to buy two of the buildings at the famous Ford manufacturing complex: the Administration Building, which fronts Woodward, and the adjacent 8,000-square-foot executive garage. The majority of funds have been secured, including a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, another $15,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and $10,000 from the WA3's reserves. The non-profit still needs to raise matching funds of $125,000 by September 19th to close the deal.
"We are appealing to individual donors to contribute just five dollars, or more, to help us save this important piece of Americana. The Henry Ford Plant was the place where workers made a wage of $5 per day -- giving birth to the middle class," said Deborah Schutt, interim director of WA3. "This online "Five Dollar a Day" fundraising campaign will play a pivotal role in helping us meet our goal and realize our vision of creating an auto heritage attraction."
The clock is ticking. To donate and be a part of history, simply log onto: Crowd Rise .
Funds generated from the Five Dollars a Day crowd funding campaign will help close the financial gap. The WA3 is also soliciting donations from private sources, community foundations and other supporters. Contributors will also receive a special commemorative gift for their pledge and donation.
About the Woodward Avenue Action Association
The Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) is an economic and community development organization. Its mission is to preserve, promote and enhance Woodward Avenue, the 27-mile All-American Road through a local and regional effort.
