After failing to reach an initial Kickstarter goal of raising US$2 million to launch The Purpose Hotel brand, the concept being developed by celebrity photographer Jeremy Coward with an aim to fight against social injustices has exceeded a new US$347,000 pledge in less than 48 hours.
The project relaunch on September 12 tracked faster than anticipated, as nearly 2,000 people joined in backing the crowd-sourced effort. Humbled by the movement of all backers, meeting the Step One goal allows The Purpose Hotel team to take steps in developing the initial designs and financing of the building.
“The momentum this campaign has is unbelievable. Right out of the gate we had not only return backers, but new ones as well. I’m grateful, humbled and really excited to see where this goes over the next 24 days,” Cowart said. “This is proof that people care. I’m already hearing stories of people who have been inspired and uplifted by this idea. It’s going to just multiply from here.”
The next phase of The Purpose Hotel relies on meeting the second step of US$755,000 through the Kickstarter campaign. Step Two will allow The Purpose Hotel team to further the hotel architectural plans, interior planning and engineering design/planning specific to the sites selected for the hotel.
Cowart added that he has also been talking to private individual investors to further his cause.
Coward said the aim of the project, which he would like to grow globally, is to fight against injustices of war, hunger, poverty, global warming, racial tension, unclean water, addictions and natural disasters. Every aspect of the global chain will directly contribute to those in need through strategic sourcing and procurement.
Through the project’s Kickstarter, individuals have the opportunity to become co-founders as backers of the project.