FOOTBALL FAMILY
The Documentary
Last July, the Football Family Documentary project was launched on the popular fundraising web site, Kickstarter.
The producers of the upcoming film, which chronicles the storied career of Lansdale Catholic Head Football Coach Jim Algeo and forty-four years of Rare Breed Football, spent thirty days seeking to raise the funds necessary to bring the project to completion by next fall.
"The bottom line with Kickstarter is the project must reach its fundraising goal in a designated time period," explains Bridget Algeo Letukas, creator of the film. "We did not reach that mark, so the generous donations never get processed."
The failure to reach its target of $7500 has not daunted the documentary team, which is comprised of Algeo Letukas, DeSales University film professor Mike Wagner and Tamaron videographer Joe Wengyn.
"We knew from the start that it was a tough time of year. People were traveling, on vacation, and some didn't realize the nature of Kickstarter. We knew we might have to huddle up and come up with a new strategy."
That new strategy has taken the form of a new fundraising platform, FundRazr, which allows the group to remove the deadline for contributors. However, the rewards established for backers giving certain amounts during the Kickstarter campaign ~ranging from recognition in the credits and complimentary copies of the DVD to tickets to the premiere of the film ~ will continue to be honored.
"Football Family really tells a great story of so many people united through one program, one tradition. Whatever it takes, we are forging ahead so we can make the film we envision. FundRazr takes the urgency out of donating, so backers can give not only what they are comfortable with, but when they are comfortable doing so. We did receive $3,000 in pledges in less than one month when we tried Kickstarter, so we are very encouraged."
In addition to a new contribution platform, the team is also developing social events planned around the Lansdale area.
"These socials will help generate money to defray the cost of the documentary, but they are also about bringing people together and bringing them on board with the project."
The first event takes place at Mariano's Tavern, located at 1031 North Broad Street and part of the Lansdale restaurant scene since 1967. Mariano's will host Football Family Social Week, running from Monday, October 14 through Saturday, October 19, welcoming patrons to bring the Football Family coupon flyer that week. Doing so will enable a percentage of their food bill to go toward the documentary's costs. The film points out that the week coincides with Lansdale Catholic's Homecoming Week, giving LC families and alum an opportunity to come together in a local social setting. The flyer will be available at Mariano's Tavern, as well as on the Football Family Facebook page, and on the Football Family website. To check out a menu, visit www.MarTav.com.
Supporters of the project will be kept updated on the film’s progress through regular updates on the Football Family YouTube Channel, its Facebook page and Twitter @1football family.
