For the Love of the Music:
Hey friends! This IndieGoGo fundraiser was started by my close friends and colleagues, to help give me the support to finish the project I'm currently working on, "Stars, Dreams and Elbow Grease." The goal is to raise $7,000 which will undoubtedly get me over the hump, and help me get my music out to the world! 10% of all contributions will go to the Cheti Sponsorship Program (details below.)  I can't thank my team enough, and with just a little support from you, my friends, my fans, my family, I know the door to the ever so tough music industry will finally open!! 

Ive made some really great steps in the last year, including finishing runner up in the "Hip Hop Unplugged Competition."  As New Yorks most prominent showcase, I had to beat out several hundred other musicians from across the country and I very much appreciate the support from all of you that came out to cheer me on as I fought my way into the Finals!

Great Perks & Rewards in return:
The great news about taking part in this is that we're able to give back to every single participant!! IndieGoGo works like this: I set a monetary goal of $7,000, then you can pledge any amount you'd like! In return for your contribution, you receive all types of great things like a signed copy of the CD before it comes out, tee shirts, a personal concert, your name in the credits of my CD, or a cameo in one of my upcoming music videos! Take a look at the many other great perks and rewards to the right.

Your contributions will go towards:
Recording, mixing, mastering and promotion are just a few of the expenses that go into making a project like this successful.  Thur far, Ive been able to fund it out of pocket, but as you might imagine, its a little overwhelming.  That said, if my full goal is not met I will still use the contributions to plug gaps in the expense categories I mentioned above, so every dollar counts - literally!

I cant thank you guys enough for taking part in this project with me and building what is basically a fan funded record label, bringing music back to it's core, the people and the passion and out of the hands of the corporate world.

The Foundation I support:
10% of all contributions will be given to the Cheti Sponsorship Program.  I have donated to this non-profit for the past 2 years, as they grow into a great foundation that currently sponsors 68 (and growing) African children living in unimaginable circumstances.  Incredibly, 100% of the donations received go directly towards paying for these children to attend school, which would otherwise be an unattainable dream.  If you would like to donate to this foundation independently from my campaign, please visit www.sponsorcheti.org!

How else can you help?
By all means, word of mouth about our project and the need for support is the best way to help other than being a direct contributor.  Let others know about this, and how they can be a part of the journey! If/when you choose to share this campaign, when possible, please use the sharing options directly via indiegogo that can be found under the video. This can really help my campaign out a lot and it makes sharing easy for you, as well!

I promise to make great things happen with your help!! I wholeheartedly appreciated all of you that took the time to read and offer support in any way possible!! It is good people like you that make dreaming possible in a day and age where the business side of music can sometimes make that difficult.

See what Ive been up to lately at www.mikecheck1212.com, and keep up with me throughout this project everyday on twitter @check1212, or www.facebook.com/themikecheck.

With love and much appreciation,

Mike Check