An
April Cash Mob will be held to benefit two local entrepreneurs’ arcade project.
Muskegon is no stranger to the “Cash Mob” concept. West Michigan Jobs Group
(WMJG) has organized several Cash Mobs in the Muskegon area over the last year.
A cash mob is a gathering similar to a flash mob, typically organized through
the use of social media, where a group of people meet at a locally owned
business and each spend at least $20 in cash. The idea is to keep as much
money in the local economy as possible and increase exposure to the business.
"This
time we wanted to support a business that isn't even operational yet.
West Michigan Jobs Group's goal is to support local, independent and
sustainable businesses to nourish Muskegon's economy and create more jobs,” said
Amanda Shunta, vice president of West Michigan Jobs Group. “One way of doing
this is by helping new businesses get off the ground."
WHAT: Cash Mob to support proposed
arcade/live music venue, Nick & Tim’s
WHEN & WHERE: April 25, 6-8 p.m. at Cherokee
Restaurant—1971 Sherman Blvd, Muskegon
WHY: Entrepreneurs Nick Leisenring and
Tim Updyke have purchased the building at 136 W. Webster Ave in downtown
Muskegon, with a vision for a distinguished arcade and drink house offering a
unique combination of retro gaming and modern technology in a casual
environment. In addition to the arcade, live entertainment ranging from
local and regional bands to comedians will also be a focus of this
endeavor. Leisenring and Updyke started an online crowd sourcing campaign
on the site indiegogo.com and have been seeking donations
through social media to help offset the cost of the massive renovations needed
for the building. The cash mob will further help them to reach their goal
of $250,000.
“We knew
it was a high goal when we set it, but we have seen amazing things happen from
crowd sourcing sites and thought it was worth doing," said Updyke.
The cash
mob will take place in the banquet room in the Cherokee restaurant where there
will be board games available for all ages to enjoy. Donors to the Nick
& Tim’s project will receive a "perk” based on the level of their
contribution.
