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Alchemy Initiative

Pittsfield, MA

Alchemy Initiative is an urban model of sustainability and community in the heart of downtown Pittsfield, MA. We work to inspire and empower our community to transform the common into something special. We are an intentional living laboratory and a ca... view more

  1. on July 27, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    Posted project update #5

    Thank you!

    Many, many thanks for the support and pledges on the building of our community kitchen. $40,000 was perhaps too ambitious of a goal in the timeframe we set for ourselves- and yet we are still in awe of all of the $20 donations that kept coming in and building up each day. We felt so much excitement and encouragement from the community in this venture.

    This fundraiser was a great opportunity for us at Alchemy Initiative to talk with the community and get feedback on our project. We are going to take the next month or so to assess and get a bit more structured. We will be in touch soon with some new thoughts, projects and ways to get involved.... We appreciate your support in this time of growth!

    Cheers to you all,
    The Alchemy Initiators

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        Stefanie Weber on July 28, 2010

        what an impressive first try for such an ambitious goal! keep on keeping on. be well.


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  2. on July 19, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    commented on a project

    Thank you to Lorna from Lorna's Naturals who sent a donation in the mail! I am adding that amount to my pledge.
  3. on July 11, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    Posted project update #4

    YIKES

    We are nearing the end of our Kickstarter time allotment and still have a long way to go to get the pledges we need to make our commercial community incubator kitchen goal. Any help you can give us by spreading the word or upping your pledge will be heartily appreciated.

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  4. on June 3, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    commented on a project

    Susan Geller gave me a pledge check in the post office this afternoon! Thanks Susan - I'll add that to my pledge!
  5. on May 29, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    Posted project update #3

    Getting the Word Out

    The email blast we sent out on Wednesday got the word out to many people who didn't know about our kitchen plans. We will continue to send weekly notes out that way and appreciate all the pledges that came if from it! If you could help spread the word too we would really appreciate it! If you have ideas about creative ways we can spread the word let us know.
    Thanks again! We are beginning to make real headway! I am hoping to hit $5000 this week!
    Cheers to our 3 day weekend marking the beginning of our Berkshire Summer here in Western MA!
    Crispina and the Alchemy Initiative

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  6. on May 20, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    Posted project update #2

    Dinner Parties Near AND Far ~

    If you are interested in hosting an Alchemy Initiative Dinner Party to help us reach our fundraising goal you can live near us in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts or any other place that needs a little Alchemy Initiation! You can contact us to get details or have any questions about the idea answered. Alchemy.Initiative@gmail.com or call 413-236-9600

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  7. on May 19, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative
    Posted project update #1

    Would You Like to Host a Dinner Party for Alchemy Initiative?

    As you might know, we're building a community kitchen… and we want YOU to be a part of the renovation process. No, we aren’t asking you to pick up a hammer (although that may come later). We are asking you to HOST A DINNER PARTY.

    What could be more fun than having your friends over for some great food for a great cause?

    This major kitchen renovation that will transform the former Notre Dame church kitchen into Alchemy Initiative's brand-spanking new commercial kitchen. Completion of the renovation
    will open up lots of uncharted opportunities, allowing us to offer rentals to small food producers (think of your aunt who wants to turn her cupcake-making hobby into a real business), a teaching kitchen with cooking classes (from cheese-making and canning to after school programs for kids) and we'll have good old-fashioned community meals (bringing the people of Pittsfield together with food).

    This is an ambitious and formidable undertaking, with a renovation cost of $40,000, and it will only be funded if we raise the ENTIRE amount. We have until July 21 to do it. So this is
    where YOU come in... back to the dinner table. . . . . . .

    We're asking you to invite 4, 6, 10 (or more) of your favorite friends over for dinner. We'll supply details and an e-vite for you to forward or print and mail). Edward Acker and other well known Western Massachusetts based photographers will be capturing these parties; images and menus to
    be included in a gorgeous, table-top book.

    We would truly appreciate your help in making this project a reality.
    Please email us at Alchemy.Initiaitve@gmail.com ASAP so we can coordinate all the details.
    Don't hesitate to contact us with ANY questions you might have about this fun and far reaching Kickstarter marketing idea.

    Thank you and bon appetite!

    The Alchemy Initiators
    Jess Rufo, Diane Firtell, Crispina ffrench, Bridget Conry, Jess Conzo

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  8. on April 22, 2010
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    Alchemy Initiative launched a project

    Alchemy Initiative's Community Kitchen by Alchemy Initiative

    This project will allow us to develop the former church kitchen into a brand-spanking-new teaching/learning/community/incubation kitchen.

    Funding Unsuccessful (07/21/2010)