If crowdfunding sites can help movies get made and inventions be realized, why not use them to build a replica of the fictional Lord of the Rings city Minas Tirith? A group of J.R.R. Tolkien fans are hoping to raise nearly $3 billion to make that dream a reality.
The fans launched a campaign on IndieGoGo, with the goal set at £1.85 billion (or over $2.89 billion), which they hope to raise in just 60 days. They believe they can create “the most remarkable tourist attraction on the planet, but also a wonderfully unique place to live and work.”
Amazingly, they have already raised £56,581 in just 13 days.
Some of the awards they have offered include a free tour for £25, a plaque with your name for £50 and a night for two for £900. If you want to donate £100,000, you will be named the Lord or Lady of the City.
Should they reach their goal, they hope to start construction by the end of 2016 in Southern England and have it done by 2023. That’s less than the time it took for Boston to finish the Big Dig!
The group that created the campaign does know that it is nearly impossible for them to reach their goal. So, if you donate and they can’t hit the goal, they will reimburse you. “Please only donate within your means, and in the knowledge that this project is a light-hearted venture with virtually no chance of succeeding,” they noted.
You can donate right here and follow the campaign on Twitter.