The Kickstarter created to purchase a barrier for the North Stage of the Halloween Block Party has met its goal of $4,000.
About one month ago, Brandon “DJ B-Funk” Thompson created a campaign on Kickstarter, a crowd-funding website, to raise $4,000 to purchase an official security wall for this year’s Halloween Block Party.
The project met its goal — and even garnered a small surplus — Sunday evening. As of press time, the Kickstarter raised $4,078.
The barrier would be put in place at the North Stage, near Dale’s BP, on Court Street.
The campaign was launched after last year’s celebration proved the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee, which organizes the block party each year, needed extra security to keep performers and patrons safer.
When a barrier broke at the North Stage, a concern for the safety of Thompson and his equipment grew as attendees attempted to climb on stage.
Thompson said he isn’t sure exactly how the funds will be allocated entirely but the plan is to either rent or purchase the necessary barrier and hopefully have funds left over to give volunteers a small perk, such as a gift card, and to create a nest egg for next year’s party.
“It’s about safety,” Thompson said. “It’s not just that we want to throw a rager. We want to make it safer and run smoother for us and the crowd. … This made my whole week and it was topped off with Homecoming.”
Thompson will meet with the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee Wednesday to discuss how the Kickstarter funds will be dispersed.
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