By Jacqueline Persandi Attendees can vote for In the spring of 2013 One Spark
was introduced to the First Coast community. Tis event—known as the world’s crowdfunding festival—plans to not only change the community, but the world. Creators from all over the globe showcase their ideas with the opportunity to raise funds through investors, backers and those in the community interested in their projects, businesses and ideas.
One Spark is not an event with one goal,
but rather an opportunity for Creators to achieve many diverse goals. Creators—who can be business owners, nonprofit foundations, inventors or anyone with a vision—have a platform to showcase their ideas in their own unique way.
Every business, foundation, idea and
invention has a story, and these stories are told at One Spark. As a member of the First Coast community, there are several ways to participate in the experience.
Joe Sampson, One Spark
executive director, says the 2013 One Spark was a huge success and believes this year will be even better. “Last year, over 900 Creators showcased 406 different projects within 59 different venues throughout downtown Jacksonville…for five days. Over 130,000 attendees ended up coming out, voting, contributing and deciding which of those projects would receive funding from the crowdfunding.”
their favorite projects, which will determine the amount of crowdfunding the Creators receive. Also, individuals can contribute to the projects they hope to see succeed. It is free to attend One Spark, and the festival creators hope this encourages people to contribute (even something as small as $5 to $10) to their favorite projects.
In 2013, JT Townsend decided
to bring his foundation to the first One Spark. Judi Zitiello, board chair of the JT Townsend Foundation, tells us about JT’s experience. In 2004, “[ JT] was a senior at Episcopal High School on scholarship. He was the captain of the football team, and the captain of the basketball team. It was a Friday night [football] game against their rivals Bishop Kenny. He was headed off to Florida State with a full academic scholarship and [was] going to play football and hoped to go onto the pros. He
took a hit on the field and went down, and his whole life changed.”
JT suffered a spinal cord injury that
left him as a quadriplegic. After lengthy rehab and recovery, JT was prepared to return to his Jacksonville home with his family. When he arrived they found his wheelchair could not fit in his home. Professional golfer Fred Funk, along with the First Coast community, built JT and his family a home with all the amenities he needed.
Out of this kindness, JT created the Expect to learn about
different businesses, organizations and foundations throughout the community and the world. Not only will you learn about the projects, but you can get to know the people behind the project and help provide funding for these ideas.
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JT Townsend Foundation to help children and adults on the First Coast who live with disabilities receive adaptive equipment, financial assistance, and any kind of assistance they need to make their life a little bit easier. “JT always wanted to repay the community that helped him,” says Judi.
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