Crowdfunding can be a great way to get a charity or creative project off the ground if you're starved for cash. Now, apparently, more established business owners are turning to it too.
Case in point: Reality star-turned-fashion designer Whitney Port has taken to Indiegogo with the goal of raising $50,000 to show her clothing line, Whitney Eve, at New York Fashion Week come September.
The money will be spent on the necessary components of a successful runway show -- namely models, a stylist, DJ, space fee and payment for a production company.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Port's estimated worth is $3.5 million.
"You guys [friends and fans] are so important to me, so I want you to be a part of this and see what it takes to put on an amazing fashion show," Port says in the video touting her event.
Unlike Kickstarter, which maintains a specific focus through project guidlines, Indiegogo is an open platform.
We've seen the site fund some very worthwhile causes such as a vacation for one harassed school bus monitor, but this request from Port feels like an attempt to gain publicity more than cash.
Port is offering 11 different perks based on your donation. One dollar will earn you a shout-out on Facebook, while $450 will earn you front row seats at the show you helped pay for.
Port has currently raised just $2,546 with 39 days remaining.