In just two weeks, the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle raised enough money from the community to put out its first print edition.
The Chronicle quickly met—and exceeded—its goal of $3,500 through a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com and at a community open house at Grape & Grain in Homewood.
“We’re blown away by this support,” said Eric Crump, who launched the Chronicle in June of 2014. “It shows us that people are hungry for news about these communities, and they’re willing to support us with their own money. You can’t get more solid feedback than that.”
The next step is reaching out to local business leaders. “Anyone who’s interested in advertising—or knows someone with a business that should be part of the inaugural edition—should reach out to me right away,” he said. “The first paper will be a collector’s edition.”
The inaugural edition is due out in late November.
More funding will keep the presses rolling at the Chronicle, which plans monthly publication starting next year.
“Our Indiegogo site is a great place for people in the community to show they want a local newspaper,” Crump said. “The Chronicle is here for them, and we need them to join in the effort.”
Crump is working with partners Marilyn Thomas and Tom Houlihan on the project. Other volunteers have joined the ranks as well to write and approach advertisers, and more are welcome to join in, he said.
“We’re creating the Chronicle as an extension of the Homewood-Flossmoor community. A lot of people benefit from it, and we want them to participate, too.”
To get involved or inquire about advertising rates, email Crump today.