Adler Planetarium Shoots For Moon Exhibit Funding With Crowdsourcing Campaign
(CBS) -- The Adler Planetarium is trying to go where few non-profits have gone before: to crowdfunding for financial support. WBBM's John Cody explains.
Marc Lapides, Vice President of Business and Market Development, hopes two months' exposure on the Indiegogo crowdfunding site will bring in $95,000 from astronomy fans around the world.
"A lot of businesses, start-up businesses, are using crowdfunding as ways to raise funds for their businesses but we decided that it is probably a good way or we think it will be a good way to help raise funds for some of our exhibition."
He says in exchange for Adler funding on Indiegogo, the planetarium will be offering incentives ranging from astronaut ice cream to dinner with a real astronaut: Captain James Lovell.
The old exhibit: "Shoot for the Moon," is now being torn down to be replaced by "Mission Moon," which is expected to re-open April 11, 2015, the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission.
This was the famous and almost tragic Moon shot aborted when an oxygen tank exploded, crippling the service module upon which the command module (CM) depended. This left the command module with limited power, cabin heat, and potable water and fresh air. Despite this, the crew returned safely to Earth on April 17, 45 years ago.
Donors will be listed individually in the Adler websites "Virtual Wall of Thanks."
To donate to the campaign, visit www,indiegogo.com/adler-planetarium-mission-moon-exhibition.